university  of 

Connecticut 

ibraries 


3   11S3  DlDfl^777  7 


•t3 

tsi 


CO 


THE 

SWISS    FAMILY 

ROBINSON 


?z 
1 


Copyright,  igog,  by  Harpkr  &  Brothers. 


PAGE 

Introduction  by  W.  D.  Howells xi 

The  Story  of  a  Story xv 

Shipwrecked  and  Alone i 

A  Desolate  Island i'^ 

A  Voyage  of  Discovery 28 

The  Homeward  Journey 45 

A  Successful  Voyage 57 

A  Living  Freight 66 

Another  Exploring  Expedition  ........  76 

Bridge-Building ,     ,  85 

The  Journey  to  the  Wonderful  Trees      .     .     .     .  97 

A  Night's  Lodging m 

A  Castle  in  the  Air 122 

The  Visit  to  Zeltheim 136 

The  Sledge,  The  Masquerade,  and  The  Kangaroo  152 

A  Voyage  to  the  Wreck — The  Raft 167 

The  Wheelbarrows  and  the  Turtle 181 

The  Pinnace  and  the  Petard     ........  194 

The  Walk  to  the  Calabash  Wood 207 

The  Canadian  Fowl  and  the  India-Rubber  Tree     .  227 

Candle-Making — The  New  Cart 240 

The  Baby  Jackai 259 

Grizzle's  New  Friend 283 

Spring  Days  and  the  Salt  Cavern 299 

[vii] 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XXIII.  The  Winter  House  in  the  Grotto 316 

XXIV.  Little  Frank  and  the  Calf 336 

XXV.  The  Mischievous  Monkeys .  352 

XXVI.  Jack's  Adventure — The  Stranded  Whale     .  -371 

XXVII.  Rowing  by  Machinery — The  Turtle 391 

XXVIII.  The  Dreadful  Visitor — Poor  Grizzle's  Fate   .     .  405 

XXIX.  Another  Excursion — Fritz  and  the  Rats     .     .     .  424 

XXX.  The  Green  Valley — The  Bears 438 

XXXI.  The  Condor — Frank  Hears  the  Cuckoo  ....  453 

XXXII.  The  Ostrich  Trainer 469 

XXXIII.  The  Young  Rat-Catchers — The  Canoe     ....  483 

XXXIV.  The  Crushing  Machine — A  Plentiful  Harvest    .  494 

XXXV.  The  Drawbridge — The  Hyena 510 

XXXVI.  Fritz  Relates  THE  Adventures  OF  Their  Excursion  520 

XXXVII.  After  Ten  Years — Pearl  Bay 534 

XXXVIII.  The  Mysterious  Message — The   Lions      ....  547 

XXXIX.  The  Search  for  Fritz — A  Visitor 561 

XL.  The  Adventures  of  Fritz — Jenny's  History     .     .  574 

XLI.  The  Welcome  at  Rock  House — Conclusion       .     .  584 


DAVID    WYSS Frontispiece 

EAST    INDIA    ISLES Faciyip  p.  XWlW. 

AMID   THE    ROAR   OF   THE    STORM "  4 

IT   WAS   JUST   HALF-TIDE    AS    WE    LEFT   THE    VESSEL    .       .       .       .  "  I4 

(THEY   POURED    DOWN    ON    US   A    HAIL    OF    COCOANUTS        ..."  40 

THE    BATTLE    WITH   THE    JACKALS "  52 

"be    READY  TO    FIRE  " "  68 

SPIKED    COLLARS    FOR   THE    DOGS "  78 

ERNEST    STRUCK   AT   THEM "  88 

THEIR    HOWLS   WERE    TERRIBLE    TO    HEAR "  lOO 

I    PREPARED    TO    WATCH    THE    FIRE    ALL    NIGHT "  I18 

A   CASTLE    IN   THE    AIR "  124 

FOLLOWED    ME    CLOSELY   WITH   A   GRAVE    AND   MEASURED    STEP  "  I38 

THREATENED    TO    DRAW    HIM    INTO   THE    WATER "  I58 

MY   BOY    HAD    STRUCK  THE    TURTLE    WITH    THE    HARPOON    .       .  "  I72 

!HE    KNOCKED    DOWN    FIVE    OR    SIX    OF   THE    BIRDS        ....  "  184 

"no.    2,    fire!"    CRIED    FRITZ "  202 

JACK   ADVANCED    CAUTIOUSLY  TOWARD    HIS    ADVERSARY       .      .  "  2l6 

HE    BROUGHT    HIM    OUT    IN    SPITE    OF    HIS    SCREAMS     ....  "  232 

WITH    MY   PISTOL    PUT   AN    END   TO    HER    LIFE "  254 

WE    ALL    KNEADED    LIKE    BAKEr's    MEN "  262 

I   LOOSENED   THE    STRING "  286 

WE    ENTERED  THE    GROTTO ,..,.,,  "  306 

[ix] 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


DREW    HIM    INTO    SHALLOW    WATER Faci; 

FRANK    PUT  THE    ANIMAL   THROUGH    ALL    HIS    PACES  .... 

MY    EAGLE    QUICKLY    BROUGHT    ONE    DOWN 

REMOVING   THE    WHALEBONE 

IN    VAIN    HE    CRIED   TO   THEM    TO    STOP 

THE    DEATH    OF    GRIZZLE 

THE    RATS    BEGAN   TO    ATTACK   ME 

THE    BEARS   FOUGHT    BRAVELY      

HE    PROVED    HIS    RIGHT   TO   THE    NAME    OF   WHIRLWIND  .      .      . 

AT    LAST    I    FIRED   TWO    SHOTS    AT   THE    ANIMAL 

HE    LOOSED    HIS    BONDS    AND    SET    HIM    FREE 


igp 


356 
386 
400 
408 
428 
448 
476 
502 
548 


HEN  the  publishers  asked  me  to  write  an  introduc- 
tion for  this  new  edition  of  one  of  the  dearest  old 
books  in  the  world,  I  had  to  own  that  I  had  never 
read  it.  I  was  not  able  to  say  how  or  why  I  had 
not  read  it  in  the  days  when  I  used  to  read,  or 
meant  to  read,  everything;  but  that  was  the  fact,  and  it  made 
the  publishers  gasp.  But  when  I  said  that  I  should  like  very 
much  to  read  it,  if  only  for  the  pleasure  of  being  able  to 
write  an  introduction  to  it,  they  were  somewhat  relieved,  and 
handed  the  book  over  to  me.  So  here  I  now  stand,  with  my 
hand  on  the  front  gate,  like  some  garrulous  old  retainer  of  the 
house  who  wants  to  keep  the  impatient  guest  outside  while  he 
tells  him  or  her  what  a  delightful  family  lives  in  that  fairy  palace, 
and  how  full  of  wonders  its  gardens  and  grounds  are.  But  if  I 
know  what  the  guest  is,  and  I  think  I  do,  he  will  hop  over  the 
gate  and  be  in  at  the  door  before  I  have  done;  and  in  these  days 
of  athletics  of  all  kinds,  she  will  do  it,  too;  and  I  shall  be  left 
talking  to  some  father  or  mother  who  has  come  lagging  along 
behind,  or  with  some  grandfather  or  grandmother.  Well,  in  that 
case,  the  old  people  and  I  can  exchange  a  quick  smile  of  patience 
for  the  impatience  that  has  gone  before  us,  and  compare  notes  as 
to  why  we  think  this  book  has  been  such  a  great  favorite,  and 
always  must  be. 

We  know  that  if  it  had  not  been  for  Robin  son  Crusoe  The  Siuiss 
Family  Robinson  would  not  have  been  written,  just  as  Robinson 

[xi] 


INTRODUCTION  BY  W.  D.  HOWELLS 

Crusoe  would  not  have  been  written  if  it  had  not  been  for  the 
narrative  of  Alexander  Selkirk.  But  for  the  present  the  children 
need  not  take  this  very  much  to  heart.  It  is  good  to  have  had 
The  Siviss  Family  Robinson  on  any  terms;  and,  as  the  children 
will  learn  later  on,  there  is  no  new  thing  under  the  sun — a  saying 
which  was  not  new  when  Solomon  said  it.  What  puts  this  book 
before  the  greater  book  that  went  before  it  is  the  author's  art  of 
telling  something  fresh  on  every  page,  or,  rather,  freshly  present- 
ing something.  For  him  no  day  passes  without  its  difficulty 
overcome,  its  danger  escaped,  its  adventure  happily  ended.  In 
reading  the  book  I  have  not  been  able  to  place  on  the  map  the 
sea  where  the  island  is  on  which  this  excellent  family  was  wrecked, 
and  which  they  made  their  happy  home  for  so  long,  and  where  the 
story  leaves  nearly  all  of  them.  What  I  know  is  that  almost  every 
wild  animal  that  can  be  tamed,  or  that  ought  to  be  killed,  is  found 
in  it;  that  every  beautiful  or  eatable  or  companionable  bird  nests 
there;  that  every  strange  or  familiar  fruit  and  vegetable  grows 
on  the  trees  or  above  or  under  the  ground.  In  these  happy  pages 
there  is  never  any  want  of  work  or  play,  never  any  lack  of  sport; 
there  is  no  wanton  slaughter  of  harmless  creatures  for  pleasure, 
and  such  as  do  not  supply  the  table  are  left  unharmed  unless  they 
danger  the  lives  of  those  excellent  Robinsons.  The  children  need 
not  be  told  outright  that  the  morality  is  admirable,  that  the  old- 
fashioned  piety  is  beautiful,  and  that  the  gentle,  early  nineteenth- 
century  humanity  is  such  as  the  early  twentieth  century  would 
be  the  better  for  embracing.  When  the  boys  and  girls  come  back 
from  ramping  and  rummaging  through  the  happy  island,  they 
will  have  some  sense  of  this,  and  I  would  not  have  it  borne  in 
too  strongly  upon  them.  I  would  not  have  many  sermons  preach- 
ed to  them  about  the  lovely  family  life  of  the  Robinsons,  which 
is  never  insipidly  sweet,  but  is  full  of  true  affection  and  willing 
subordination.  The  children,  who  are  different  enough  in  other 
things,  are  alike  in  loving  their  father  and  mother,  as  the  Good 
Book  bids  them,  and  the  father  is  worthy  through  his  wisdom 

[xii] 


INTRODUCTION  BY  W.  D.  HOWELLS 

and  prudence,  the  mother  through  her  glad  providence  and  ten- 
der vigilance.  The  father  leads  the  boys  in  their  adventures 
and  enterprises;  the  mother  v^elcomes  them  home  and  spreads 
the  table  with  rich  and  wholesome  abundance.  For  the  honest- 
hearted,  home-loving  boy,  it  is  like  being  under  his  own  roof, 
with  a  boundless  range  of  field,  forest,  and  sea,  and  every  harm- 
less delight  of  them. 

I  should  like  to  invite  the  elders  to  join  me  in  observing  the 
good  behavior  of  the  wreck,  from  which  the  Robinsons  draw  every 
needed  supply  not  afforded  by  their  island  or  contrived  by  their 
ingenuity.  I  really  did  not  make  out  whether  that  kind  wreck 
ever  broke  up;  but  almost  any  boy  could  tell  me.  What  I  really 
grieve  for,  and  it  is  the  only  thing,  is  that  there  is  no  especial 
scope  given  for  the  imaginations  of  the  girl  readers  of  the  book. 
That  English  girl  coming  in  at  the  last  moment  with  her  rescue 
and  her  return  home  will  hardly  do;  and  if  I  did  not  feel  that 
girls  nowadays  had  more  and  more  the  tastes  of  boys,  but  not 
tomboys,  and  so  must  enjoy  the  book  almost  as  much  as  boys, 
I  should,  the  very  first  thing,  myself  write  a  sequel  to  The  Swiss 
Family  Robinson,  tracing  the  experiences  of  a  family  of  American 
Robinson  Girls  to  every  fortunate  conclusion. 

W.    D.    HoWELLS. 


OR  nearly  a  century  The  Swiss  Family  Robinson 
has  maintained  its  hold  upon  the  affections  of  young 
readers,  and  yet  the  real  author's  modesty  or  in- 
difference kept  him  from  publishing  his  story.  The 
curious  features  of  its  history  begin  with  the  fact 
that  this  famous  tale  is  due  to  Johann  David  Wyss,  the  father  of 
Prof.  Johann  Rudolf  Wyss,  of  Zurich,  who  is  given  in  nearly 
all  books  of  reference  as  the  actual  author. 

David  Wyss,  who  was  born  in  Berne,  Switzerland,  in  1743, 
became  a  military  chaplain  in  1766.  He  invented  the  tale  of  the 
Swiss  Family  to  amuse  his  four  children.  He  was  something  of 
a  linguist,  preaching  in  French  and  German,  and  knowing 
Italian,  and  possibly  a  little  English,  He  was  also  acquainted 
with  general  literature,  and  he  knew  more  or  less  of  science 
and  military  matters.  These  various  acquirements  were  utilized 
in  the  development  of  a  tale  which  shows  his  frank  admiration 
of  Robinson  Crusoe.  It  was  founded  upon  a  Russian  sea-cap- 
tain's report  of  the  discovery  of  a  Swiss  pastor  and  his  family 
who  had  been  shipwrecked  on  an  island  near  New  Guinea. 
The  story  may  have  been  originally  an  oral  one,  but  it  was 
written  out  by  the  real  author,  as  Ulbrich  indicates.  Yet  it  was 
for  the  author's  family  only,  and  he  left  his  MS.  unpublished. 

It  was  not  until  the  nineteenth  century  was  well  advanced 
that  the  son.  Prof.  Johann  Rudolf  Wyss  (i  781-1830),  gave  the 
MS.,  slightly  revised,  to  a  publisher.     The  first  volume  of  the 

[xvj 


THE  STORY  OF  A  STORY 

first  edition  was  published  at  Zurich  in  1812  under  the  formidable 
title  of  Der  Schweizerische  Robinson,  Oder  der  Schiffbruchige 
Schweizerprediger  und  Seine  Familie.  Ein  Lehrreiches  Buck 
fur  Kinder  uiid  Kinderfretinde  zu  Stadt  und  Land.  This  may  be 
translated  into  "The  Swiss  Family  Robinson;  or,  The  Ship- 
wreck of  the  Swiss  Minister  and  his  Family.  An  instructive  book 
for  children  and  the  friends  of  children  in  city  and  country." 

The  second  and  concluding  volume  followed  in  18 13.  The'] 
publishers  were  Orell,  Fiiszli    &  Co. 

It  is  unfortunate  that  the  credit  given  by  Professor  Wyss  toj 
his  father  has  been  lost  sight  of  since,  v/hich  gives  more  reason 
for  regret  that  the  son  did  not  place  his  father's  name  on  the; 
title-page.     This  has  been  done  in  the  present  edition. 

In  his  Robinson  und  Robinsonade  (Weimar,  1898),  Dr.  Herman 
Ulbrich  writes: 

"The  real  author  of  The  Swiss  Family  Robinson,  a  book  in- 
tended at  first  simply  to  be  read  in  the  family  circle,  is  the  Rev. 
Johann  David  Wyss,  of  Berne  (1743-18 18),  whose  life  and  works 
are  discussed  in  Marcus  Lutz's  Modern  Swiss  Biographies  (1826), 
and  also  in  a  preface  to  the  fourth  volume  of  The  Swiss  Family 
Robinson  [evidently  edition  of  1826].  The  only  name  on  the 
title-page  of  The  Swiss  Family  is  that  of  one  of  the  author's  sons, 
Johann  Rudolf  Wyss.  This  son  states  in  his  preface  that  *Thei 
book  as  it  now  appears  is  an  adaptation  (Bearbeitung)  of  my 
father's  work,  and  all  that  is  original,  instructive,  and  best  in 
this  book  is  due  to  my  father.'"  i 

The  next  stage  in  this  curious  history  relates  to  the  enlarge-j 
ment  of  The  Swiss  Family  by  a  French  author  into  the  form  that; 
we  know  at  present.  As  the  story  was  originally  written,  the 
Swiss  family  were  discovered  by  a  European  vessel  after  ten  years 
and  taken  back  to  their  home.  But  after  the  first  publication, 
in  1813,  the  tale  attracted  the  attention  of  the  Baroness  de  Mon-i 
toHeu  ( 1 751-1832),  a  Frenchwoman  of  literary  inclinations,  who 
translated  it  into  French.     In  reading  the  story,  she  felt  that  it 

[xvi] 


THE  STORY  OF  A  STORY 

ended  too  abruptly,  and  should  be  developed  further.  She  sug- 
gested such  an  extension  to  Prof.  Johann  Rudolf  Wyss.  He 
was  unable  to  undertake  the  task  himself,  but  gave  his  consent, 
and  the  Baroness  published  her  addition  in  1824  (Paris,  A.  Ber- 
trand).  In  1826,  Orell,  Fuszli  &  Co.,  of  Zurich,  the  original 
publishers,  issued  a  new  edition  in  four  volumes  containing  the 
Baroness  Montolieu's  additions  in  German.  The  same  pub- 
Hshers,  or  their  successors,  issued  subsequent  editions  in  1841-44, 
in  1874,  and  in  1895. 

According  to  Querard  {La  France  Litter  air  e^  Paris,  1834),  most 
of  the  literary  work  of  the  Baroness  de  Montolieu  consisted  of 
translations  from  German  and  English.  He  prefers  to  use  the 
word  imitations,  which  may  be  rendered  as  adaptations.  He  inti- 
mates that  her  knowledge  of  foreign  languages  was  not  exhaustive, 
and  that  her  adaptations  were  revised.  But  it  appears  that  her 
work  was  acceptable  to  Prof.  Johann  Rudolf  Wyss,  and  to  the  orig- 
inal publishers,  who  incorporated  it  in  an  edition  which  has  obtained 
universal  acceptance.  The  Swiss  Family  Robinsony  therefore,  wa.s 
created  by  Johann  David  Wyss,  slightly  revised  by  his  son.  Pi  of. 
Johann  Rudolf  Wyss,  and  enlarged  by  the  Baroness  de  Montolieu. 

This  work,  which  the  usage  of  several  generations  has  stamped 
with  general  approval,  received  in  1868  a  rendering  into  English 
at  the  hands  of  Mrs.  H.  B.  Paull  (London,  Chandos  Classics), 
which,  it  seems  fair  to  say,  has  been  accepted  as  the  most  popular 
of  the  English  versions.  Mrs.  Paull  was  also  the  translator  of 
Hans  Andersen  and  the  Grimm  Brothers.  That  the  purist  may 
very  well  find  cause  for  comment  in  modifications  of  the  original 
text  Is  true,  but  it  is  a  familiar  experience  that  modifications  are 
often  necessary  to  make  the  real  spirit  of  an  original  compre- 
hensible. Even  the  German  editions  since  1874  are  announced 
as  neu  bearheitet,  "newly  revised"  or  "adapted.'* 

This  is  the  story  of  the  famous  narrative,  which  is  presented 
here  in  full  in  the  most  popular  English  version. 

R.  H. 
[xvii] 


THE 

SWISS    FAMILY 

ROBINSON 

CHAPTER   I 

SHIPWRECKED   AND   ALONE 


^^^  HE  Storm,  which  had  lasted  for  six 
long  and  terrible  days,  appeared  on 
the  seventh  to  redouble  its  fury. 
We  were  driven  out  of  our  course 
far  to  the  southeast,  and  all  trace 
of  our  position  was  lost. 

Sailors  and  passengers  were  alike  worn  out 
with  fatigue  and  long  watching;  indeed,  all 
hope  of  saving  the  ship  had  disappeared.  The 
masts  were  split  and  overboard,  the  sails  rent, 
and  the  water  in  the  hold  from  a  leak  made  us 
expect  every  moment  to  be  swallowed  up  in 
the  waves. 


r/«y  — i 


T«5  SWISS  FAMILY 

Nothing  could  now  be  heard  among  the  crew  or  the  passengers 
but  earnest  prayers  to  God  for  mercy — each  commending  his 
soul  to  his  Maker,  knowing  that  His  power  alone  could  save  them 
from  death. 

My  children  stood  clinging  to  their  mother,  and  trembling  with 
fear  in  our  little  cabin,  and  I  endeavored  to  cheer  them  by 
saying: 

"My  children,  God  can  save  us  if  it  is  His  will;  if  not,  we 
must  resign  ourselves  to  what  He  judges  is  best  for  us,  and  to 

die  will  be  to 
meet  again  in 
abetterworld, 
where  part- 
ings are  un- 
known." 

My  poor 
wife  on  this 
wiped  her 
tears  and  be- 
came calm,  to 
give  courage 
to  her  boys; 
and  yet  I 
could  scarcely 
restrain  my 
own  grief, 
even  while 
endeavoring 


At  last  we  knelt  together  and  offered  our  united  prayers  to 
the  Almighty  for  succor:  my  eldest  boy  Fritz  prayed  aloud,  most 
earnestly,  that  God  would  save  his  dear  parents  and  brothers, 
seeming  not   to  think   at  all   of  his  own  safety.     All   else  was 


ROBINSON 

forgotten  in  the  threatened  danger,  and  yet  the  evident  faith 
of  childhood  in  the  power  of  the  prayers  they  uttered  restored 
my  own. 

"Will  not  the  Lord  hear  and  answer  these  prayers,"  I  thought, 
"offered  in  such  child-like  trust  and  confidence?" 

All  at  once  was  heard  above  the  fury  of  the  storm  the  cry, 
"Land!  land!"  At  the  same  moment  we  felt  a  shock  so  violent 
that  I  believed  the  ship  had  struck  on  a  rock  and  would  imme- 
diately fall  to  pieces.  The  sounds  of  cracking  timber  and  the 
rush  of  water  over  the  decks  quickly  proved  that  I  was  not  mis- 
taken, especially  when  the  voice  of  the  captain  made  itself  heard 
in  terrible  tones:  "We  are  lost!  Lower  the  boats!" — and  the 
words  struck  like  a  sword  to  my  heart. 

"Lost!"  I  exclaimed,  in  my  terror;  but  the  piteous  cries  of  my 
children  aroused  me.  I  must  not  allow  them  to  despair  at  this 
awful  moment.  "Keep  up  your  courage!"  I  exclaimed.  "God 
can  help  us  still  if  we  trust  in  Him!  I  will  go  at  once,  and  try 
to  discover  whether  some  way  of  deliverance  may  not  be  left 
for  us." 

I  went  up  quickly  on  deck,  but  as  I  endeavored  to  advance 
wave  after  wave  passed  over  me.  The  first,  for  which  I  was 
unprepared,  dashed  me  to  the  ground;  but  I  struggled  to  with- 
stand the  force  of  the  next  by  clinging  to  the  side  of  the  ship, 
and  then  what  a  sight  presented  itself! 

One  boat  was  far  out  to  sea,  and  a  sailor — the  last  to  leap  on 
board  the  other  boat — ^was  about  to  cut  the  rope  and  let  it  drift 
away.  When  I  realized  the  fact  that  they  were  escaping,  and  had 
left  me  and  my  dear  ones  to  perish,  I  raised  my  voice  in  earnest 
entreaty.  I  cried,  I  prayed,  I  implored  them  to  return  and  rescue 
us.  All  to  no  purpose.  My  voice  was  lost  amid  the  roar  of  the 
storm,  and  even  had  I  been  heard,  the  fury  of  the  waves  made 
the  return  of  the  boats  an  impossibility. 

For  a  few  moments  I  looked  around  me  in  despair.  Then, 
with  a  sudden  hope,  I  observed  the  position  of  the  vessel.     The 

[3] 


T«£  SWISS  FAMILY 

bow  had  sunk  forward,  leaving  the  stern  high  above  the  water 
as  far  as  a  kind  of  partition  situated  amidships,  which  sepa- 
rated the  captain's  and  the  other  cabins  from  the  steerage  of  the 
ship. 

Added  to  this,  I  found  that  the  wreck  was  fixed  in  this  position 
between  two  rocks,  and  therefore  hkely  to  remain  in  safety,  es- 
pecially if  the  storm  abated.  A  few  moments  served  for  me  to 
realize  the  absence  of  immediate  danger,  and  then  I  turned  my 
attention  toward  the  shore,  which  lay,  as  I  supposed,  to  the 
southward.  A  misty  rain  obscured  the  view,  and  perhaps  made 
it  appear  more  barren  and  desolate;  yet  I  determined  to  strain 
every  nerve  in  an  effort  to  reach  a  spot  upon  which  I  now  placed 
my  highest  hopes  of  safety.  Still,  I  had  to  restrain  the  troubled 
thought  that  all  hope  of  human  help  had  vanished,  as  I  went 
below  to  the  cabin  and  addressed  my  dear  ones  hopefully. 

"Take  courage,  my  children,"  I  said,  as  I  entered;  "all  hope  is 
not  lost.  The  ship  is  fixed  between  the  rocks,  and  this  little 
place  of  refuge  is  high  above  the  water.  To-morrow,  if  the  wind 
and  waves  subside,  we  may  be  able  to  reach  the  land." 

The  hopefulness  of  childhood  enabled  my  boys  to  receive  this 
news  with  transports  of  joy.  They  passed  all  at  once  from  despair 
to  unbounded  confidence.  All  doubts  and  difficulties  vanished, 
especially  as  the  rolling  of  the  vessel,  which  had  so  often  dashed 
them  to  and  fro  or  against  the  side  of  the  ship,  had  entirely  ceased. 
But  my  wife  discovered  my  hidden  anxiety  in  spite  of  my  calm- 
ness; yet,  while  I  saw  this  clearly,  I  knew  by  her  manner  that  her 
confidence  in  God  was  still  unshaken,  and  this  gave  me  renewed 
courage. 

Her  first  act  was  to  search  in  the  steward's  room  for  provisions, 
and  with  such  success  that  a  plentiful  supper  was  quickly  prepared 
for  us. 

"Let  us  take  food,"  she  said;  "nourishment  for  the  body  gives 
strength  to  the  spirit,  and  we  may  have  a  very  disturbed  night." 

And  so  it  truly  proved.     The  three  younger  boys  gladly  retired 

[4] 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O 


AMID  THE  ROAR 
OF  THE  STORM 


ROBINSON 

to  rest  after  supper,  and  were  soon  fast  asleep,  overcome  with 
fatigue  and  excitement.  Fritz,  the  eldest,  a  youth  of  fourteen, 
understood  our  position  more  clearly  than  his  brothers,  and  pre- 
ferred to  share  the  watch  with  his  parents.  He  was  a  thoughtful 
boy,  and  we  discovered  after  a  while  one  of  his  reasons  for  wishing 
to  sit  up  with  us. 

As  night  advanced  the  storm  still  continued,  and  the  waves  broke 
over  the  lower  part  of  the  ship  with  undiminished  fury.  From  time 
to  time  a  cracking  noise  told  us  that  the  planks  and  beams  of  the 
wreck  were  strained  by  their  force,  and  a  continual  trembling 
caused  a  dread  that  every  moment  the  vessel  would  fall  in 
pieces. 

It  was  after  one  of  these  shocks  that  Fritz  exclaimed : 

"My  father,  do  you  think  we  could  find  any  swimming-belts 
on  board  for  my  mother  and  the  boys  .?  You  and  I  could  swim 
to  shore  if  anything  happened  to  the  wreck,  but  they  cannot 
swim." 

"Not  a  bad  thought,  my  boy,"  I  replied;  "we  will  search  at 
once." 

But  no  swimming-belts  could  be  obtained,  and  I  determined 
to  contrive  a  plan  which  I  hoped  would  prove  successful.  In 
the  steward's  cabin  we  found  a  number  of  empty  flasks  and  tin 
water-cans  strong  enough  to  support  a  light  person  in  the  waves. 
These  we  fastened  together  with  pocket-handkerchiefs,  and  tied 
them  under  the  armpits  of  the  three  boys  and  my  wife,  who 
willingly  adopted  this  means  of  safety.  We  also  supplied  our- 
selves with  knives,  string,  a  tinder-box  and  matches,  and  other 
useful  but  not  cumbrous  articles,  and  then  seated  ourselves  to 
await  calmly  the  result,  hoping  that,  should  the  vessel  fall  to 
pieces,  we  might  be  able  to  gain  the  shore  partly  by  swimming 
and  partly  by  being  borne  on  the  waves. 

Fritz,  however,  feeling  more  secure  in  the  safety  of  his  dear 
mother  and  brothers,  retired  to  rest  and  slept  soundly.  I  and  my 
brave  wife  remained  awake  in  watchful  anxiety,  listening  to  each 

[7] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

shock  that  threatened  a  change  in  the  position  of  the  vessel.  It 
was,  indeed,  a  sad  night  for  us  both:  we  passed  it  in  prayer  and 
consultation  respecting  our  future,  till  with  thankful  hearts  we 
observed  the  first  glimmer  of  daylight,  and  felt  that  we  were  safe. 
As  morning  advanced  the  wind  lulled,  the  sky  cleared,  and  with 
joyful  eyes  we  gazed  at  the  brilliant  colors  that  glowed  in  the 
east  as  the  sun  rose,  foretelling  a  bright  day. 

In  a  cheerful  voice  I  roused  the  boys,  and  led  them  with  their 
mother  on  deck.  Then  for  the  first  time  they  became  aware  that 
we  were  alone  on  the  ship. 

"Oh,  papa!"  exclaimed  Jack,  "where  are  the  sailors  and  the 
other  passengers  .?  How  are  we  to  continue  the  voyage  or  get  to 
land  ? — are  they  gone  ? — why  did  they  not  take  us  .?" 

"My  children,"  I  said,  "our  companions  have  left  us  to  our 
fate,  but  we  must  not  despair.  If  we  exert  ourselves  and  do  all 
we  can,  God  in  His  mercy  will  help  us;  still  let  us  trust  in  Him 
without  fear,  and  consider  what  is  best  to  be  done." 

"Could  we  not  make  a  raft,  papa,"  said  Ernest,  "and  get  to 
shore  all  together .?" 

"  It  would  certainly  be  an  excellent  plan  if  we  had  the  ma- 
terials," I  replied. 

"The  sea  is  calm  enough  to  reach  the  shore  by  swimming," 
remarked  Fritz. 

"Swimming  would  be  all  right  for  you,"  said  Ernest,  "but  not 
for  us,  who  can't  swim." 

"Ah,  yes,  I  forgot;  but  will  those  contrivances  we  made  in  the 
night  be  safe  for  mamma  and  the  boys,  papa  .^"  exclaimed  Fritz. 

"I  would  rather  adopt  some  other  plan,"  I  replied;  "and  now 
suppose  we  search  the  ship,  and  see  if  any  materials  for  a  raft 
can  be  found." 

At  these  words  we  all  dispersed  in  different  directions.  I 
proceeded  at  once  to  the  provision  stores,  which,  to  my  great 
satisfaction,  were  well  supplied  with  both  food  and  water.  My 
wife  and  the  youngest  boy  went  to  visit  the  animals,  Fritz  ran 


ROBINSON 

to  the  armory-room,  and  Ernest  to  the  ship-carpenter's  work- 
shop. Jack,  as  he  opened  the  door  of  the  captain's  cabin,  got 
a  Httle  fright.  Two  large  dogs  sprang  out,  and,  full  of  joy, 
bounded  upon  him  so  roughly  that  they  threw  him  down,  and 
covered  him  with  their  caresses.  This  performance,  however, 
startled  the  little  man,  and  he  at  first  cried  out  in  alarm.  But 
soon  remembering  that  the  poor  doggies  must  be  hungry,  he 
recovered  himself  quickly,  rose  to  his  feet,  and  mounting  on 
the  back  of  the  largest  dog,  he  rode  gravely  toward  me  just  as 
I  appeared  coming  up  from  the  ship's  hold. 

I  could  not  help  laughing  even  while  I  praised  his  courage, 
but  not  without  advising  him  to  be  more  cautious  in  future  with 
strange  animals,  otherwise  it  might  cost  him  dear. 

One  by  one  we  returned  to  the  cabin,  each  bringing  what  he 
considered  would  be  the  most  useful  in  our  position. 

Fritz  brought  powder,  small  shot,  bullets,  and  two  sporting 
guns.  Ernest  held  in  his  hand  a  hatful  of  nails  and  a  hammer, 
while  from  his  pocket  stuck  out  a  pair  of  pincers  and  a  hatchet. 
Even  little  Frank  had  a  packet  of  fishing  hooks  and  lines,  with 
which   he   seemed   very   much   pleased. 

"As  to  myself,"  said  my  dear  wife,  "I  have  only  brought 
good  news,  yet  I  hope  it  will  prove  very  valuable.  I  am  delighted 
to  tell  you  that  there  are  still  alive  on  the  ship  a  cow,  a  donkey, 
two  goats,  six  sheep,  a  ram,  and  a  sow.  I  was  only  just  in  time 
to  save  them  from  dying  of  hunger  and  thirst." 

"You  have  all  done  well,"  I  said  at  last,  "yet  I  am  afraid 
Master  Jack  has  brought  two  tremendous  eaters  instead  of  any- 
thing useful;  we  shall  find  it  difficult  to  feed  them." 

"Oh,  but,  papa!"  exclaimed  Jack,  "when  we  get  on  shore  the 
dogs  will  help  us  to  hunt." 

"Yes,"  I  replied;   "but  how  are  we  to  get  there?" 

"Can  we  not  sail  in  tubs  ?"  said  Jack,  "I  have  often  done  so 
on  the  pond  at  home." 

"Happy  thought!"  I  exclaimed;  "let  us  begin  at  once.    Now 

l9]       . 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

for  the  nails,  the  hammer,  a  saw,  and  a  gimlet.     We  will  see  what 
can  be  found  in  the  hold." 

My  wife  and  the  boys,  excepting  Jack,  followed  me  to  the  hold 
with  tools,  and  here  we  drew  from  the  water  four  large,  empty 
casks.  These  we  dragged  to  the  lower  deck,  which  was  just  above 
the  water's  edge,  and  discovered  with  joy  that  they  were  all  made 
of  solid  wood  and  bound  with  strong  iron  hoops.  The  water  in 
the  hold  on  which  they  floated  had  prevented  them  from  getting 
dry,   and  proved  that  they  were  water-tight. 

I  found  them  exactly  suited  to  my  purpose,  and  set  to  work  at 
once  to  saw  them  apart  through  the  middle.  We  succeeded  at 
last,  after  great  exertion,  and  then  gladly  refreshed  ourselves 
with  the  wine  and  biscuits  which  were  contained  in  two  other 
small  casks.  I  contemplated  with  pride  the  eight  half-casks,  or 
tubs,  as  they  stood  side  by  side  on  the  sloping  deck,  and  felt  quite 
astonished  to  observe  that  my  wife  looked  sad. 

"I  could  never  dare  to  trust  myself  on  the  open  sea  in  one  of 
those  things,"  she  said,  with  a  sigh. 

"Do  not  alarm  yourself  too  soon,  dear  wife,"  I  replied;  "my 
work  is  not  yet  finished;  wait  a  little — you  will  find  that  these 
tubs  are  much  better  for  us  than  a  wrecked  vessel  which  is  a 
fixture  in  the  rocks." 

After  a  search  I  discovered  a  long  and  flexible  plank,  and  upon 
this  I  fastened  my  eight  tubs,  so  that  the  two  ends  of  the  plank 
might  bend  upward  and  form  a  keel.  Two  other  planks  I  also 
found,  and  these  we  nailed  firmly  to  the  tubs  on  each  side,  and 
brought  together  at  the  ends  to  form  the  stem  and  stem.  In 
reality  I  had  made  a  narrow  boat  divided  into  eight  compart- 
ments. All  was  strong  and  well  fitted,  and  appeared  quite  suit- 
able for  navigation — at  least,  on  a  calm  sea  and  for  a  short 
distance. 

But,  alas!  when  my  wonderful  contrivance  was  finished,  it  was 
found  so  heavy  that  in  spite  of  our  united  eflPorts  we  were  not  able 
to  move  it  an  inch. 

[10] 


ROBINSON 

"Fetch  me  one  of  the  capstan-rods,"'  1  cried;  "I  can  use  it 
as  a  lever." 

Fritz  understood,  and  ran  to  find  one.  Then  I  cut  ofF  some 
pieces  of  wood  from  the  sail-yards^  for  rollers,  and  lifting  the 
lower  part  of  my  boat  with  the  iron  bar,  Fritz  placed  them  under- 
neath, and  now  we  could  move  it  easily  where  we  pleased. 

"How  strange,"  exclaimed  Ernest,  "that  one  man  can  do  more 
with  that  thing  than  we  could  do  with  all  our  strength!  How  is 
it,  papa  ?" 

"If  we  get  safely  to  land,  Ernest,  I  will  explain  this  to  you;  the 
iron  bar  forms  a  lever,  which  is  one  of  the  six  mechanical  powers. 
Now,  however,  I  am  too  anxious  about  the  boat  to  talk  to  you." 

While  saying  this  I  was  fastening  a  rope  to  the  tub-raft  with  a 
strong  knot,  and  after  placing  the  two  rollers  under  it  and  giving 
it  a  slight  push,  we  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  our  little  vessel 
glide  from  the  lower  deck  toward  the  sea.  But  she  descended 
with  such  rapidity  that  had  I  not  taken  the  precaution  to  fasten 
the  rope  to  a  beam  on  the  wreck,  she  would  have  been  carried 
far  out  of  our  reach.  Unfortunately,  the  boat  leaned  so  much  on 
one  side  that  no  one  would  have  dared  to  embark  in  it;  but  I  saw 
in  a  moment  what  it  wanted.  I  quickly  gathered  up  all  the  heavy 
things  around  me,  and  threw  them  as  ballast  into  the  tubs.  The 
boat  immediately  righted  itself,  and  my  children  with  eager  joy 
rushed  forward,  in  their  haste  disputing  who  should  first  enter, 
and  forgetting  all  idea  of  danger. 

But  I  hastily  stopped  them.  I  knew  we  could  not  venture  to 
put  to  sea  with  any  safety  yet,  for  I  saw  plainly  that  the  slightest 
obstruction  would  capsize  the  craft.  To  avoid  this  danger,  there- 
fore, I  thought  I  might  contrive  to  manufacture  some  of  those 
paddles  which  savage  nations  use  to  balance  their  canoes  even 
against  adverse  winds. 

*  An  iron  bar  used  to  turn  the  capstan  when  raising  the  anchor. 

-  The  poles  across  the  masts  on  which  the  sailors  stand  to  unfurl  or  furl  the 

sails, 

[  II  ] 


THE  SV/ISS  FAMILY 

I  again  set  myself  to  work  to  procure  this  happy  means  of 
safety,  and  with  thf-  help  of  Fritz  I  succeeded.  We  found 
two  long  sail-yards,  which  were  fastened,  one  in  front  and  the 
other  at  the  hinder  part  of  the  boat,  so  that  they  could  be 
moved  without  in  any  way  inicrfering  with  the  progress  of  our 
little  raft. 

To  the  end  of  each  of  these  we  fixed  two  little  empty  casks 
which  were  to  serve  as  a  counterpoise,  and  at  last  I  believed 
that  our  arrangements  were  complete  and  safe.  It  only  remained 
for  me  to  ascertain  the  best  means  of  escape  from  the  wreck  of 
the  ship  to  the  open  sea.  I  therefore  embarked  in  one  of  the 
tubs,  and  directing  the  boat  toward  a  fissure  in  the  side  which 
seemed  to  open  a  passage,  I  contrived,  by  the  use  of  the  hatchet 
and  the  saw,  to  cut  away  the  planks  and  beams  which  stood  in 
our  way. 

Nothing  now  remained  but  to  secure  the  oars  for  our  voyage 
on  the  morrow.  It  was  late  when  all  this  was  finished,  and 
impossible  to  attempt  to  go  on  shore  at  that  hour.  We  were 
obliged,  therefore,  to  pass  another  night  on  the  wreck,  which 
threatened  every  moment  to  fall  to  pieces. 

My  wife,  however,  had  prepared  for  us  an  abundant  supper, 
which  we  greatly  needed,  for,  in  an  eager  desire  to  finish  the  tub- 
raft,  we  had  taken  nothing  but  the  wine  and  biscuits  found  in  the 
casks. 

At  last  we  all  gladly  sought  repose  after  the  fatigues  of  the  day, 
but  I  took  the  precaution  to  desire  my  boys  to  attach  the  empty 
cans  and  flasks  to  their  arms,  as  a  means  of  safety  should  anything 
happen  to  the  ship.  I  advised  my  wife  also  to  dress  herself  in 
sailor's  clothes,  as  more  convenient  for  swimming  should  she  be 
thrown  into  the  water. 

She  objected  greatly  at  first,  but  eventually  I  convinced  her  of 
the  means  of  safety  the  dress  would  prove  in  case  of  accident, 
and  she  retired  from  the  cabin  to  make  the  change. 

When  she  reappeared,  looking  very  embarrassed,  I  could  not 

[n] 


ROBINSON 

help  paying  her  a  compliment,  for  the  middy's  dress  became  her 
admirably.  Perhaps  my  bright  hopes  for  the  morrow  made  her 
forget  her  boyish  appearance,  and  she  retired  to  rest  in  her  berth 
and  slept  peacefully  till  morning. 


THi  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  II 

A   DESOLATE    ISLAND 

HE  next  morning  at  daybreak  we  were  all  awake, 
for  hope  as  well  as  care  is  no  friend  to  sleep.  As 
soon  as  we  had  knelt  and  offered  our  morning 
prayers  to  God,  I  said  to  my  children: 

"  I  hope,  now,  that  with  the  aid  of  the  Almighty 
we  shall  soon  be  out  of  danger.  And,  first,  let  us  provide  food 
and  water  for  the  poor  animals,  enough  to  last  for  several  days; 
perhaps  we  may  be  able  to  return  for  them,  if  we  succeed  in 
reaching  the  land.  And  will  you,  my  boys,  collect  together  all 
that  we  shall  require  to  take  with  us  for  our  most  pressing 
wants,  while  I  attend  to  the  animals  .?" 

My  first  care  had  been  to  place  on  board  our  little  bark  a 
barrel  of  powder,  three  fowling-pieces,  guns,  pistols,  and  a  supply 
of  bullets,  with  a  bullet-mould  and  lead  to  prepare  more  when 
these  were  gone.  To  my  wife  and  each  of  the  boys  I  gave  a 
game-bag  for  future  use,  but  now  filled  with  provisions  found  in 
the  sea-chests  of  the  ship's  officers.  Among  these  were  tablets  of 
soup,  dried  meat,  and  biscuits. 

I  also  loaded  the  two  unoccupied  tubs  of  the  boat  with  an  iron 
pot  for  cooking,  a  fishing  line  and  rod,  a  box  of  nails,  a  hammer, 
saw,  hatchet,  pincers,  and  a  quantity  of  sail-cloth  with  which  to 
erect  a  tent.  So  many  things  were  at  last  collected  together  to  ; 
place  in  the  boat  that  I  had  to  set  aside  the  least  useful  for 
objects  more  precious. 

When  all  was  ready,  we  knelt  once  more  to  ask  protection  on 
our  perilous  voyage.     I  then  placed  the  boys  each  in  a  tub,  and 


ROBINSON 


IT   WAS    JUST   HALF -TIDE 
AS   WE    LEFT   THE   VESSEL 


ROBINSON 

waited  for  my  wife.  Presently  she  returned  from  the  cabin 
carrying  a  large  well-filled  bag,  which  she  threw  into  the  tub 
with  little  Frank,  and  I  imagined  that  she  only  intended  it  to  form 
a  more  comfortable  seat  for  her  youngest  boy. 

We  were  about  to  follow  the  children  into  the  boat,  when  all 
at  once  the  cocks  began  to  crow  and  the  hens  to  cluck  in  such  a 
mournful  manner  that  they  appeared  to  be  complaining  at  being 
left  behind. 

"I  think  we  might  manage  to  take  them  with  us,"  I  said;  "for 
if  they  are  not  cared  for  now  we  cannot  expect  them  to  be  of  use 
to  us  by-and-bye." 

My  advice  was  followed:  two  cocks  and  ten  hens  were  placed 
in  the  tubs,  and  I  contrived  a  kind  of  latticework  roughly  from 
splinters  of  wood,  to  keep  them  from  jumping  out.  The  ducks, 
geese,  and  pigeons  I  merely  set  free,  feeling  convinced  that  they 
would  find  their  way  to  land  either  through  the  air  or  by  water. 

At  length,  when  we  were  all  safely  stowed  away  in  our  tubs,  I 
cut  the  cable  and  placed  myself  at  the  helm.  In  the  first  tub 
was  my  wife,  close  behind  her  little  Frank;  the  next  two  tubs 
contained  the  ammunition,  the  sail-cloth,  the  tools,  the  provisions, 
and  the  chickens;  Fritz  occupied  the  fifth;  Ernest  and  Jack  the 
sixth  and  seventh;  and  I  had  taken  the  last  for  myself,  that  I 
might  guide  the  vessel  containing  my  family  by  the  stem  oar, 
which  served  for  a  rudder. 

Each  of  my  elder  boys  took  an  oar,  and,  as  well  as  their  mother 
and  little  Frank,  wore  the  swimming-belts  I  had  contrived  as  a 
protection  in  case  our  strange  craft  should  be  capsized. 

It  was  just  half-tide  as  we  quitted  the  vessel,  and  I  counted 
upon  that  to  carry  us  to  land  and  compensate  for  the  weakness 
of  our  rowers.  The  eyes  of  my  children  were  soon  eagerly  at- 
tracted by  the  green  shore  before  them,  and  they  rowed  with  all 
their  strength  to  reach  it;  but  for  a  long  time  we  appeared  to 
make  but  little  progress. 

Presently  we  were  startled  by  hearing  the  two  dogs,  which  had 

[•7] 


THi  SWISS  FAMILY 

been  left  on  the  wreck,  whining  piteously;  and  in  a  few  moments 
they  sprang  into  the  sea  and  swam  after  us.  They  were  too 
heavy  for  us  to  add  to  the  weight  by  taking  them  on  board  our 
frail  bark.  Turk  was  a  large  English  mastiff,  and  Floss,  equally 
large,  a  Danish  hound.  I  pitied  them,  however,  for  I  feared  they 
would  not  be  able  to  swim  for  such  a  distance;  yet,  now  and  then, 
they  supported  themselves  very  cleverly  by  resting  their  fore  paws 
on  the  planks  which  balanced  the  tubs,  and  followed  us  as  a  rear- 
guard without  much  trouble. 

After  a  while,  finding  we  made  but  little  progress,  I  took  another 
oar,  and,  by  guiding  the  boat  into  the  current  of  the  flowing  tide, 
our  navigation  became  less  difficult,  and  we  found  ourselves  ap- 
proaching nearer  to  the  shore. 

Its  aspect  was  not  very  inviting:  barren  rocks  and  the  absence 
of  all  vegetation  predicted  for  us  a  sad  prospect  of  hunger  and 
suffering.  The  sea,  however,  was  calm,  the  sky  without  a  cloud, 
and  the  waves  rippled  gently  against  the  shore;  while  around  us 
floated  chests,  casks,  and  bales  of  goods — the  debris  of  the  ill- 
fated  ship.  In  the  hope  that  these  stray  casks  might  contain 
provisions,  Fritz  and  I  hooked  some  of  them  with  our  oars,  and, 
as  I  drew  them  near,  I  told  him  to  have  nails  and  a  hammer  ready 
to  fasten  them  to  our  raft. 

As  we  drew  nearer,  the  land  lost  much  of  its  wild  and  sterile 
aspect,  and  Fritz,  who  had  the  eye  of  a  falcon,  declared  that  he 
could  already  distinguish  trees,  and  among  them  palms  and 
cocoanut-trees. 

"Oh,"  cried  Ernest,  who  was  fond  of  good  things,  "how  nice 
it  will  be  to  have  cocoanuts!  They  are  larger  and  better  than  the 
nuts  of  Europe.'* 

A  difficulty  now  arose  as  to  the  most  convenient  point  on  the 
coast  for  us  to  land,  and  I  was  beginning  to  regret  that  I  had 
forgotten  to  bring  the  telescope  from  the  captain's  cabin,  when 
Jack  drew  from  his  pocket  a  smaller  one,  and  offered  it  to  me 
with  delight  at  being  able  to  gratify  my  wish. 

[i8] 


ROBINSON 

This  telescope  enabled  me  to  take  precautions  in  avoiding 
dangerous  rocks,  for  the  impetuous  current  seemed  driving  us  at 
its  will.  Presently  I  perceived  a  narrow  bay,  toward  which  our 
ducks  and  geese  were  rapidly  swimming  in  advance  of  us,  as  if  to 

lead  the  way. 

This  creek  in  the  shore  presented,  also,  a  much  more  pleasant 
aspect,  and  as  I  guided  our  boat  toward  the  entrance,  I  found  the 
water  only  just  sufficiently  deep  to  float  it;  and  we  arrived  at  last, 
after  some  little  trouble,  at  a  spot  where  it  was  so  shallow  that  the 
shore  was  on  a  level  with  the  top  of  our  tubs. 

We  all  sprang  out  joyfully  from  the  boat,  excepting  little  Frank, 
who  was  obliged  to  be  assisted  by  his  mother.  The  dogs,  who  had 
arrived  as  soon  as  ourselves,  bounded  with  joy  and  barked  around 
us  in  the  wildest  manner.  The  geese  and  ducks  quacked  loudly 
to  welcome  us.  To  this  and  the  barking  of  the  dogs  were  added 
the  cries  of  the  flamingoes,  who  flew  away  as  we  appeared, 
mingled  with  the  screams  of  the  penguins  perched  on  the  rocks. 
The  appearance  of  these  wild  birds  was  not  disagreeable  to  me. 
I  decided  that  the  land  in  which  they  found  a  home  could  not  be 
so  sterile  and  desolate,  after  all. 

But  these  noises  and  this  confusion  of  sounds  did  not  make  us 

forget  that  we  were  safe;  and  our  first  act  was  to  fall  upon  our 

;  knees  and  thank  God  for  having  mercifully  preserved  us  in  the  hour 

of  danger,  and  pray  to  Him  to  continue  to  grant  us  His  protection. 

We  then  commenced  unloading  the  boat,  and,  small  as  our 
cargo  appeared,  I  considered  we  had  saved  a  great  deal,  es- 
pecially if  we  included  the  cocks  and  hens,  which  were  set  free 
to  roam  for  the  present  and  find  food  for  themselves. 

After  choosing  a  suitable  spot,  we  prepared  to  erect  a  tent  as 
a  place  of  shelter  for  the  night,  and  in  this  we  quickly  succeeded, 
'  having  all  the  necessary  materials.  One  of  the  poles  which  had 
served  to  balance  the  boat  was  firmly  fixed  in  the  ground,  and  the 
end  of  another  pole  placed  on  the  top  of  it,  the  opposite  end  being 
fixed  in  a  crevice  of  the  rock. 

[19] 


T^E  SWISS  FAMILY' 

Over  this  framework  we  threw  our  sail-cloth,  stretching  it  out  as 
far  as  possible  on  all  sides,  and  then  fastening  it  firmly  to  the 
ground  with  a  number  of  stakes.  .  i 

For  greater  security  our  chests  and  other  heavy  articles  were 
placed  round  the  cloth  to  keep  out  the  wind,  and  Fritz  attached 
hooks  to  the  edges  in  front,  that  we  might  draw  them  together 
during  the  night.  Then  I  sent  the  children  to  gather  as  much 
moss  and  grass  as  they  could  find,  and  lay  it  in  the  sun  to  dry, 
so  that  we  might  have  something  softer  than  the  hard  ground  to 

sleep    on     at 
night. 

While  they 
were  thus  en- 
gaged, I  piled 
up  a  number 
of  large  stones 
at  some  dis- 
tance from 
the  tent,  to 
form  a  fire- 
place, on  the 
borders  of  the 
little  creek 
by  which  we 
had  reached 
the  land. 
Branches  of 
trees  and 
dried  wood  I 
found  readily, 

and,  gathering  armfuls,  I  placed  them  on  my  stone  hearth,  and 
presently  a  fire — that  true  friend  of  man — rose  sparkling  and 
flaming  toward  the  sky. 

Upon  this  I  placed  our  iron  pot  full  of  water,  and  into  it  my 

[20] 


..^f^ r      ^?iT 


ROBINSON 

wife  threw  one  of  the  tablets,  for  she  intended  us  to  have  soup  for 
dinner.  Little  Frank  watched  the  performance,  and  said, 
presently, 

"  Mamma,  what  is  papa  going  to  stick  together  ?" 

"Nothing,  my  boy;  I  am  making  soup." 

"Glue  soup,  mamma!     Oh,  I  sha'n't  like  to  eat  that!" 

"No,"  she  replied,  "meat  soup.     What  made  you  think  it  was 


glue  ?' 


"It  looks  like  it,  mamma;  besides,  we  can't  get  meat  here; 
there  are  no  butchers'  shops." 

"Listen,  my  boy,"  said  his  mother:  "these  cakes,  that  perhaps 
do  look  Hke  glue,  are  made  of  the  jelly  of  good  meat,  well  cooked, 
for  persons  to  carry  with  them  to  sea.  It  would  be  impossible 
for  us  to  take  fresh  meat  enough  to  last  for  a  long  voyage — it 
would  not  keep — so  these  meat  and  soup  cakes  are  made  to  supply 
its  place." 

Meanwhile,  Fritz  had  loaded  his  gun  and  took  his  way  along 
the  banks  of  the  stream.  Ernest,  remarking  that  to  seek  for  game 
upon  a  desert  coast  did  not  appear  very  agreeable,  turned  toward 
the  sea,  while  Jack  wandered  among  the  rocks  to  search  for  shells. 
I  employed  myself  in  drawing  from  the  water  the  two  casks  which 
we  had  secured  in  our  transit  from  the  ship  to  the  shore. 

I  discovered,  however,  that  while  the  water  at  the  spot  on  which 
we  landed  was  convenient  for  unloading  the  boat,  it  had  not  depth 
enough  to  float  it  when  heavily  laden.  While  I  stood  considering 
what  was  best  to  be  done,  I  heard  Jack  cry  out  as  if  in  terror. 
Seizing  a  hatchet,  I  ran  in  the  direction  of  his  voice,  and  saw  him 
in  the  water  up  to  his  knees,  and  an  enormous  lobster  or  crab 
holding  him  by  the  leg  with  one  of  its  claws,  while  Jack  tried  in 
vain  to  get  rid  of  his  enemy. 

I  at  once  jumped  into  the  water;  the  crustaceous  animal  no 
sooner  perceived  my  approach  than  he  let  go  his  hold  and  tried 
to  escape;  but  to  allow  this  was  not  my  intention.  I  followed  his 
movements  with  my  eyes,  owing  to  the  agitation  of  the  water,  and 

[21] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 


at  length,  disabling  him  with 
my  hatchet,  I  brought  him 
ashore,    to    Jack's    great    de- 


light. 


Burning  with  impatience  to 
show  his  beautiful  captive  to 
his  mother,  he  caught  the 
creature  in  both  hands;  but 
hardly  had  he  touched  it  when 
it  struck  him  such  a  violent 
blow  with  Its  tail  that  he 
threw  it  on  the  ground  and 
began  to  cry. 

I  terribly  offended  him  by 
laughing  outright,  and  in  his 
anger  he  took  up  a  stone  and 
stunned  the  fallen  foe  by  a 
blow  on  the  head. 

"  It  is  not  generous  to  strike 
a  vanquished  foe,"  I  exclaim- 
ed.    "You    should    have    ap- 
proached the  creature  more  cautiously." 

But  Jack,  finding  the  lobster  helpless,  paid  no  attention  to  my 
words;  seizing  it  at  once,  he  ran  in  triumph  to  his  mother,  ex- 
claiming: 

"See,  mamma!  Ernest!  Frank!  Look,  I've  caught  a  lobster 
— such  a  large  one!     Where  is  Fritz?" 

Every  one  came  round  him  and  congratulated  him  on  his 
success;  and  Emest  suggested  that  the  creature  should  be  at 
once  cooked  for  dinner,  and  that  it  would  make  delicious  soup. 
But  his  mother  decided  that  it  should  be  set  aside  till  we  had 
more  need  of  it. 

My  four  boys  possessed  different  dispositions,  as  will  be  seen  in 
the  story.     Fritz,  the  eldest,  was  a  manly,  intelligent  boy  of  four- 

[22] 


ROBINSON 

teen,  quick-tempered,  but  generous  to  a  fault.  Ernest,  aged 
twelve,  was  more  gentle  and  refined  than  his  elder  brother,  but 
with  very  little  energy,  and  a  tendency  to  indolence  and  self- 
indulgence,  which  rendered  him  far  less  useful  than  even  his  high- 
spirited  younger  brother  Jack,  a  boy  of  ten.  Little  Frank,  only 
six,  was  the  youngest,  and  rather  childish,  as  the  youngest  of  a 
family  generally  is. 

The  reader  will  see,  as  the  story  proceeds,  how  greatly  the 
position  into  which  we  were  thrown  by  certain  events  tended  to 
develop  traits  of  character  in  these  four  boys. 

Jack's  pride  in  the  capture  of  the  lobster  made  him  forget  his 
alarm  and  cowardice. 

"You  see  this  monster!"  he  exclaimed — ^"he  caught  me  by 
the  leg  with  his  terrible  claws;  and  I  believe  he  would  have 
torn  it  but  for  my  thick  sailor's  trousers.  However,  I  soon 
settled  him." 

"Little  boaster!"  I  said  to  him,  "you  would  have  been  more 
likely  settled  by  the  lobster  had  I  not  run  to  your  assistance. 
Your  glory  does  not  rest  on  a  very  firm  foundation." 

I  acknowledged,  however,  that  he  had  made  a  splendid  dis- 
covery, and  promised  him  the  claws  of  the  lobster  for  a  reward. 

"Oh!"  cried  Ernest,  "I  think  I  have  seen  some  animals  quite 
as  good  to  eat  as  Jack's  lobster;  but  I  did  not  care  to  get  any, 
because  I  should  have  had  to  wade  through  the  water." 

"What  an  excuse!"  exclaimed  Jack.  "Afraid  of  getting  wet! 
and  they  were  only  mussels,  after  all,  I  dare  say,  and  not  fit  to  eat!" 

"In  my  opinion  they  are  oysters,"  replied  Ernest,  "and  they 
are  not  at  any  great  depth  in  the  water." 

"And  pray,  Mr.  Philosopher,  if  they  are  oysters,  why  did  you 
not  bring  us  some  for  dinner .?  In  our  present  position  every 
sort  of  wholesome  food  is  acceptable;  and  to  fear  getting  wet 
is  absurd!  You  see  that  the  sun  has  dried  my  clothes  and  Jack's 
already." 

"I  forgot  that,  papa,"  replied  Ernest,  "or  I  could  have  brought 

[23] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

salt  as  well.  I  saw  a  great  quantity  in  the  crevices  of  the  rocks, 
left  there  by  the  sea,  I  suppose." 

"Of  course,  my  son.  Well,  now,  go  and  fetch  some  of  this 
salt,  unless  you  would  like  to  eat  your  soup  without  it, 
Ernest.'* 

In  a  short  time  he  returned  with  what  was  evidently  common 
salt,  but  so  mixed  with  sand  that  I  should  have  thrown  it  away 
had  not  my  wife  prevented  me  from  doing  so. 

"I  can  improve  it,"  she  said,  "by  dissolving  it  in  fresh  water 
and  straining  it  through  a  piece  of  linen." 

And  so  it  proved,  for  the  pure  salt  fell  through,  and  my  wife 
threw  it  into  the  soup. 

"Why  could  we  not  use  sea-water?"  asked  Jack. 

"Because  it  would  be  too  bitter,"  replied  Ernest.  "The  bitter 
taste  is  very  strong  when  sea-water  is  boiled." 

"Quite  right,  Ernest,"  I  said.  "Sea-water  contains  a  bitumen 
very  disagreeable  to  the  taste,  which  does  not  exist  in  crystallized 
salt." 

My  wife  now  informed  us  that  the  soup  was  ready,  but  Fritz 
had  not  returned.  Where  could  he  be  ?  While  we  waited,  she 
remarked : 

"  How  are  we  to  eat  the  soup,  now  it  is  prepared  ?  We  cannot 
possibly  lift  a  great,  burning  pot  to  our  lips,  nor  fish  out  the 
biscuits  with  our  hands,  and  we  have  neither  spoons  nor  cups. 
I  think,"  she  added,  laughing,  "we  are  in  the  same  predicament 
as  the  fox  in  the  fable,  when  the  stork  offered  him  his  breakfast 
in  a  jug  with  a  long,  narrow  neck!" 

This  idea  was  so  comical  that  we  all  laughed  heartily,  especially 
when  Ernest  said: 

"  If  we  only  had  cocoanut-shells  divided  in  two,  they  would 
make  splendid  cups!" 

"No  doubt,"  I  replied.  "Why  don't  you  wish  we  had  a  dozen 
silver  spoons  at  hand  .?  Wishing  is  useless.  Can  you  not  invent 
something  ?" 

[24] 


ROBINSON 

"Those  shells  I  saw  would  serve  us  for  spoons  capitally!" 
said   Ernest. 

"A  bright  idea,  my  boy — although,  as  our  oyster-shell  spoons 
will  have  no  handles,  we  shall  be  obliged  to  burn  our  fingers  in 
I  getting  out  the  soup.  However,  oyster-shells  are  better  than 
I  nothing,  boys,  so  run  and  get  as  many  as  you  can." 

Away  started  Jack  to  the  place  described.  Ernest  followed 
slowly,  and  when  he  reached  the  spot,  there  was  Jack  up  to  his 
knees  in  the  water.  As  he  stood  still,  dreading  to  wet  his  feet. 
Jack  detached  the  oysters  and  threw  them  to  his  brother. 

"You  can  gather  them  up  and  help  me  carry  them,"  he  said, 
"if  you  are  so  afraid  of  the  water." 

Ernest  gladly  assented,  and  they  quickly  obtained  a  sufficient 
number;  while  he  waited,  however,  he  contrived  to  put  a  large 
shell  in  his  own  pocket.  Presently  they  appeared  at  the  tent, 
carrying  a  supply  of  unopened  spoons. 

At  this  moment  Fritz  approached,  walking  slowly,  with  his  hands 
behind  his  back,  and  his  head  bowed  as  if  in  great  trouble. 

"I  have  found  nothing,"  he  said,  dolefully. 

"Absolutely  nothing  .f'"  I  said. 

"Nothing,"  was  the  reply. 

But  his  brothers,  slipping  quietly  behind  him,  exclaimed: 

"Oh,  Fritz,  and  you've  got  a  little  pig!  Where  did  you  find 
k?     Did  you  kill  it .?     Oh,  do  show  it  to  us!" 

Fritz  then,  with  a  self-satisfied  air,  placed  before  me  the  first 
result  of  his  hunting  exploits. 

"You  have  succeeded,  no  doubt,  Fritz,"  I  said,  gravely;  "but 
I  cannot  allow  you  to  utter  falsehoods  even  in  joke  or  to  surprise 
us.  The  habit  of  untruthfulness  in  play  easily  leads  to  speaking 
falsely  on  serious  subjects." 

Fritz  promised  not  to  offend  again.  And  then  he  told  us  he 
had  wandered  to  the  other  side  of  the  creek,  and  found  the  vege- 
tation very  different:  green  grass,  pleasant  meadows,  and  such 
magnificent  trees  to  shade  us  from  the  heat. 

[25] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"And,  papa,"  he  added,  "there  are  chests  and  boxes  and  spars 
floating  about  from  the  wreck.  Can  we  not  go  and  fetch  them  ? 
If  the  animals  were  here  that  we  left  on  board,  it  would  be  easy  to 
find  food  for  them;  and  how  useful  they  would  be,  especially  the 
cow,  to  supply  us  with  milk!  Don't  let  us  stay  in  this  barren 
place." 

"Patience,  patience,  my  boy,"  I  said.  "One  thing  at  a  time. 
To-morrow  we  will  try  what  can  be  done.  But,  tell  me,  did  you 
see  anything  of  our  fellow-passengers  }" 

"No,  papa,  not  a  single  trace  on  sea  or  land.  And,  papa,  I 
think  this  place  is  an  island;  and,"  he  added,  quickly,  "there  are 
pigs  here,  because  I  have  shot  one;  but  I  don't  think  it  exactly  re- 
sembles the  pigs  in  Europe,  for  its  paws  are  more  like  those  of  a 
hare.  I  saw  several  in  the  grass;  they  had  no  fear  of  me,  so  I 
ventured  quite  close,  and  saw  them  sitting  on  their  hind  legs  and 
feeding  themselves  like  squirrels.  If  I  had  not  been  afraid  they 
would  all  escape  from  me,  I  should  have  tried  to  catch  one  alive, 
for  they  appeared  almost  tame." 

Ernest,  in  spite  of  his  indolent  habits,  had  been  a  great  reader, 
and  was  perhaps  the  most  intellectual  of  my  boys.  He  had  been 
examining  the  dead  animal  carefully  while  his  brother  talked. 

"This  is  not  a  pig  at  all,  Fritz,"  he  said;  "it  has  hair  like  silk, 
and  four  large  incisor  teeth  in  front.  I  believe  it  is  an  animal  I've 
read  about  in  my  natural  history  called  an  agouti." 

"Indeed!"  said  Fritz;  "listen  to  our  great  doctor  with  his 
universal  scientific  knowledge.  I  believe  it's  a  young  pig,  after 
all." 

"Gently,  gently,"  I  cried;  "don't  be  so  hasty  with  your  jokes. 
Ernest,  I  believe,  is  right.  I  have  never  seen  the  agouti;  but 
the  appearance  of  this  animal  corresponds  entirely  with  the  de- 
scriptions I  have  read,  as  well  as  the  pictures.  The  agouti  is  a 
native  of  America.  It  inhabits  hollow  trees,  is  mild  and  gentle  in 
its  nature,  and  forms  excellent  food." 

While  we  were  discussing  this  question,  Jack  was  using  his 

[2(>] 


ROBINSON 

Utmost  efforts  to  open  an  oyster  with  his  knife,  but  without 
success. 

"You  will  never  succeed,  Jack,"  I  said,  "unless  you  place  the 
oysters  on  the  hot  embers;  they  will  then  open  of  themselves." 

In  a  few  minutes  Jack  brought  me  an  open  oyster. 

"See,  my  children,"  I  said;  "this  is  considered  a  great  delicacy 
by  epicures;  let  us  taste  it."  With  these  words  I  swallowed  the 
first  oyster,  not,  certainly,  without  repugnance,  which,  however,  I 
concealed  from  the  boys. 

"Do  you  like  it,  papa  .?"  they  asked. 

"I  have  had  enough  for  the  present,"  I  replied;  "but  I  rmist 
leave  you  to  judge  for  yourselves." 

The  boys,  after  looking  more  closely  at  the  glutinous  object, 
appeared  reluctant  to  make  the  attempt,  but  they  knew  that  they 
must  each  eat  one  to  obtain  a  shell  for  a  spoon.  Jack  led  the 
way,  performing  the  task  heroically,  and  swallowing  the  oyster  as 
if  it  were  medicine,  with  all  sorts  of  grimaces,  while  his  brothers 
followed  his  example,  yet  with  evident  dislike.^ 

The  empty  shells,  however,  were  at  last  obtained,  and  we 
hastened  to  put  our  new-fashioned  spoons  in  use,  yet  not  without 
burning  our  fingers  as  we  dipped  them  into  the  soup. 

Then  Ernest  brought  from  his  pocket  the  large  mussel-shell 
which  he  had  concealed,  and,  filling  it  with  soup,  drew  himself  on 
one  side,  and,  laughing  at  our  burnt  fingers,  set  it  down  to  get 
cool. 

"You  take  care  of  yourself,  my  boy,  at  all  events,"  I  said. 
"  I  hope  you  will  procure  dishes  for  us  similar  to  that  by  and  by." 

"There  are  plenty  more  where  that  came  from,"  he  replied, 
laughmg. 

"I  fear  you  are  becoming  selfish,  Ernest,"  I  said.  "I  think 
I  ought  to  punish  you  by  giving  that  soup  to  the  two  dogs;  you 
can  wait  as  well  as  they  can." 

'  The  Swiss  must  differ  from  the  English  in  disliking  an  edible  which  the 
latter  consider  a  luxury. 

[27] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

With  all  his  faults,  Ernest  was  amiable  in  temper;  he  rose  at 
once  and  placed  it  before  the  hungry  animals,  who  swallowed  it 
in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye.  But  what  was  that  to  assuage  their 
hunger?  ■ 

Suddenly,  while  we  were  enjoying  our  soup,  they  spied  the 
dead  agouti,  and  before  we  could  prevent  them  they  had  de- 
voured it. 

Fritz  started  up  in  a  rage,  and,  seizing  his  gun,  flew  at  the  dogs 
as  if  he  would  kill  them,  and  when  they  rushed  from  him  in  terror 
he  threw  stones  after  them,  which  caused  them  to  howl  with  pain. 

My  angry  voice  recalled  him  to  himself,  and  when  his  rage 
calmed  down  I  talked  to  him  seriously  about  this  hasty  temper, 
which  so  pained  me,  for  it  appeared  to  become  worse  instead  of 
better  as  he  grew  older.  I  showed  him  that  it  had  not  only 
caused  him  to  utter  rude  and  angry  words  before  his  younger 
brothers,  but  had  I  not  interfered  he  would  have  killed  the  two 
faithful  creatures  who  would  no  doubt  be  so  useful  to  us.  He 
looked  very  much  ashamed  as  I  thus  talked  to  him,  and  owned 
he  was  wrong,  and  presently  I  observed  him  trying  to  make 
friends  with  the  dogs.  I  hoped,  therefore,  that  my  words  had 
done  good. 

As  sunset  approached,  the  poultry  gathered  round  us  and 
began  to  pick  up  the  crumbs,  and  then  I  discovered  the  valuable 
contents  of  the  bag  which  my  wife  had  placed  in  the  tub  with 
little  Frank.  She  opened  it  now,  and  scattered  oats,  pease,  and 
barley,  which  were  eagerly  swallowed  by  pigeons  and  poultry. 
She  showed  me,  also,  a  quantity  of  wheat  which  she  had  brought 
in  her  bag,  and,  while  I  praised  her  thoughtfulness,  I  advised  her 
to  be  economical  with  this  precious  grain,  which  I  hoped  we 
might  be  able  to  sow  if  we  had  to  remain  on  the  island.  I  prom- 
ised also  that,  on  my  next  trip  to  the  wreck,  I  would  bring  for 
the  poultry  the  damaged  biscuits.  Our  pigeons,  after  their  supper, 
took  refuge  in  the  clefts  of  the  rocks,  the  fowls  perched  them- 
selves on  the  ridge  of  the  tent,  while  the  ducks  and  geese  went 

[28] 


ROBINSON 

to  roost  among  the  rushes  which  grew  on  the  brink  of  the 
stream. 

We  also  began  to  think  about  retiring  to  rest,  but  I  first  took 
the  precaution  to  load  our  guns  and  place  them  within  reach, 
in  case  of  alarm.  We  then  knelt  and  offered  our  evening  prayer, 
thanking  God  for  His  care  of  us  during  the  day,  and,  after  asking 
Him  to  watch  over  us  while  we  slept,  we  entered  the  tent. 

My  children  were  astonished  to  observe  that  night  came  on 
almost  suddenly  after  very  little  twilight.  This  made  me  feel 
certain  that  we  were  near  the  equator,  or  at  least  on  some  island 
situated  within  the  tropics.  In  countries  near  the  line  the  light 
changes  to  darkness  with  great  rapidity.  I  left  the  tent  once  more 
to  assure  myself  that  all  was  quiet  around  us,  and,  on  re-entering, 
closed  the  opening  after  me,  while  a  cock,  awakened  by  the  rising 
moon,  crowed  his  evening  chant.  The  heat  of  the  day  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  cold  night,  which  we  felt  more  keenly  on  our  beds  of 
moss.  My  wife  and  the  boys,  however,  were  soon  asleep.  We  had 
agreed  to  watch  alternately  during  the  night,  but  in  spite  of  all 
my  efforts  I  could  not  keep  awake.  Unconsciously  my  eyelids 
closed  softly,  slumber  fell  upon  me,  and  this  our  first  night  on  our 
land  of  safety  was  passed  calmly  and  without  alarms. 


TtiE  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  III 

A   VOYAGE    OF    DISCOVERY 

|T  early  dawn  we  were  aroused  by  the  crowing  of 
the  cocks,  and  my  wife  and  I  consulted  together  on 
the  best  plan  to  adopt  in  our  proceedings  during 
the  day.  She  agreed  with  me  that  not  only  was 
it  necessary  to  search  for  some  trace  of  our  fellow- 
passengers,  but  also  to  explore^^the  country  before  we  decided 
upon  our  future  resting  -  place.  She  understood  readily  that 
it  would  be  impossible  for  the  whole  famfly  to  venture  on 
such  an  expedition.  She  proposed,  therefore,  that  I  should  take 
Fritz,  as  he  was  the  strongest  and  the  most  useful,  and  leave  the 
younger  boys  under  her  care.  I  was  thankful  to  find  her  recon- 
ciled to  this  arrangement,  and  begged  her  to  prepare  breakfast 
while  I  aroused  the  boys. 

"We  have  not  much  left  for  breakfast,"  she  said,  "only  the 
remains  of  the  soup." 

"But  where  is  Jack's  lobster.?"  I  cried.  "What  has  he  done 
with  it.?" 

"Go  and  ask  him,"  she  replied,  "while  I  light  a  fire  and  place 
on  the  water  to  boil."  I 

The  boys  were  soon  awake — even  Ernest  did  not  require  much 
to  rouse  him — and  then  I  inquired  of  Jack  what  had  become  of 
the  lobster. 

He  ran  at  once  to  fetch  it  from,  a  crevice  in  the  rock,  where  he 
had  hidden  it  for  safety, 

"I  was  determined  the  dogs  should  not  devour  it,  as  they  did 
the  agouti,  papa,"  he  said. 

[3°] 


ROBINSON 

"Certainly  you  take  care  of  what  belongs  to  yourself,  my  boy," 
I  said,  "but  they  are  happier  who  care  for  the  wants  of  others. 
I  think,  also,  you  ought  to  give  up  to  Fritz  the  claws  of  the  lobster 
which  I  promised  you,  to  provide  him  with  a  dinner  on  his  journey 
to-day." 

"A  journey!  a  journey!"  they  all  cried.  "Are  we  going?" 
and  they  began  to  jump  and  dance  round  me  like  young 
kids. 

"This  time  it  is  impossible,"  I  said;  "we  know  not  what 
dangers  we  may  meet.  Fritz  and  I  have  strength  to  struggle 
against  them,  and  to  bear  the  fatigue  of  a  long  journey,  which 
you  could  not.  You  must  stay  here  with  your  mother,  in  safety. 
We  shall  take  Turk  with  us,  and  leave  Floss  to  guard  you.  Such 
a  defender  and  a  loaded  gun  are  not  to  be  despised." 

Jack  generously  offered  the  whole  of  his  lobster  for  our  use  on 
the  journey,  but  Ernest  remarked,  dryly, 

"They  will,  no  doubt,  find  plenty  of  cocoanuts,  and  that  will  be 
far  nicer  than  your  lobster,  Jack." 

When  I  desired  Fritz  to  take  his  gun.  and  an  axe,  with  a  game- 
bag,  he  blushed,  and  asked  my  permission  to  choose  another 
instead  of  his  own. 

To  this  I  readily  agreed,  although  I  would  not  notice  the  blush. 
I  knew  that  he  had  injured  his  gun  in  trying  to  strike  the  dogs 
on  the  previous  evening,  and  I  felt  pleased  to  see  that  he  still 
remembered  his  outburst  of  temper  with  shame. 

I  told  him,  however,  to  place  two  small  pistols  in  his  belt,  while 
I  loaded  the  game-bag  with  powder  and  shot,  some  biscuits,  and 
a  bottle  of  water. 

By  this  time  breakfast  was  ready;  it  consisted  of  the  lobster 
and  some  biscuits.  The  flesh,  however,  of  the  fish  was  so  hard, 
and  of  such  an  unpleasant  flavor,  that  no  one  regretted  its  loss 
when  Fritz  placed  what  remained  in  the  game-bag. 

"  We  ought  to  start  soon,  papa,"  he  said,  "  before  the  heat  of 
the  day  comes  on." 

[3'] 


TS^  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Quite   right,   my   boy,"    I    replied;   "but  we   have    forgotten    j 
something  of  great  importance." 

"What  is  it?"  he  asked — "to  say  farewell  to  mamma  and  the 
boys  ?" 

"I  know,"  said  Ernest — "we  have  not  had  morning  prayers 
yet." 

"Yes,  my  boy,  that  is  it.  We  are  apt  to  forget  God  too  easily 
while  we  are  thinking  of  the  nourishment  of  our  bodies  and  other 
requirements  of  this  life,  and  yet  we  never  wanted  His  succor 
and  protection  more  surely  than  we  do  now." 

Jack,  who  was  behind  me,  forgot  himself  in  a  love  of  fun ;  he 
pretended  to  pull  a  rope,  and  shouted,  "  Bim  bom,  bim  bom, 
bibibom!  To  prayers!  to  prayers!"  in  imitation  of  the  church 
bells.  I 

I  turned  quickly,  exclaiming:  "Wicked  child,  to  mix  up  jokes 
and  fun  with  sacred  things!  Go  away;  I  shall  not  allow  you  to 
kneel  with  us." 

Jack  withdrew  and  knelt  at  a  distance,  and  then,  after  beseech- 
ing God  in  His 
mercy  still  to  pro- 
tect us,  and  espe- 
cially to  watch  over 
us  while  we  were 
separated,  I  im- 
plored pardon  for 
the  little  one 
among  us  who  had 
so  thoughtlessly  of- 
fended. 

When  I  had  fin- 
ished, Jack  came 
to  me  in  tears, 
and,  expressing  his  sorrow,  asked  me  to  forgive  him,  and  prom- 
ised never  to  commit  such  a  fault  again.     I  readily  pardoned 

[32] 


ROBINSON 

him,  and  felt  thankful  as  I  reflected  that,  whatever  might  be  the 
faults  of  my  children,  they  were  always  ready  to  acknowledge 
themselves  wrong  and  to  seek  forgiveness. 

Before  Fritz  and  I  started,  I  called  the  younger  boys  round 
their  mother,  and  enjoined  them  to  obey  her  in  everything  im- 
plicitly. I  reminded  her  also  to  be  sure  and  keep  a  loaded  gun 
close  at  hand,  and  not  to  lose  sight  of  our  tub-boat,  as  in  case 
of  alarm  it  would  prove  a  place  of  refuge. 

At  last  we  separated,  not  without  grief  and  hesitation,  for  we 
knew  not  what  might  happen  to  us  before  we  met  again;  Fritz 
and  I  heard  the  sorrowful  adieus  of  those  we  left  behind  till  we 
reached  the  banks  of  the  stream  which  we  intended  to  cross. 

The  ground  here  rose  abruptly,  and  was  so  rocky  and  steep  that 
we  were  obliged  to  follow  the  current  for  a  long  time,  to  find  a 
spot  at  which  to  cross  and  get  farther  inland.  I,  however,  re- 
joiced over  this  proof  that  I  had  left  my  family  safely  protected 
by  rocks  as  lofty  as  I  could  desire  for  their  defence. 

After  walking  a  long  distance,  the  stream  grew  narrower,  and 
at  length  we  reached  its  source,  from  which  it  tumbled  over  rocks 
and  stones  down  a  precipice,  forming  a  cascade  in  its  descent,      i 

Across  the  narrowest  part  we  contrived  to  leap  from  stone  to 
stone,  and,  after  a  struggle  over  broken  rocks  and  tall,  withered 
grass,  we  reached  the  opposite  bank  in  safety;  and,  by  endeav- 
oring to  descend  toward  the  sea,  I  hoped  we  should  meet  fewer 
obstacles  to  our  progress. 

We  had  not  advanced  a  hundred  steps  when  we  heard  a  strange 
noise  and  a  rustling  in  the  grass  behind  us.  I  stopped,  and  saw 
Fritz  fearlessly  raise  his  gun  and  wait  calmly  for  the  unknown 
enemy,  which  proved  to  be  no  other  than  our  dog  Turk.  In  our 
trouble  we  had  forgotten  to  call  him,  and  he  had  been  sent  after 
us.  I  overwhelmed  the  animal  with  caresses,  and  praised  Fritz 
for  his  steadiness  and  caution,  for  had  he  fired  through  fear  he 
might  have  killed  the  dog. 

"You  see,  my  son,"  I  said,  "how  fatal  our  passions  are  if  not 

[33] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

under  control.  Yesterday  through  your  anger,  and  to-day  from 
fear,  you  might  have  destroyed  our  best  and  most  useful  friends." 

While  conversing  thus  we  reached  the  sea-shore.  Here  we 
stood  still  for  a  while,  looking  in  every  direction  across  the  ocean, 
in  the  hope  of  discovering  the  boats  containing  our  fellow-pas- 
sengers; but  not  even  in  the  sand  could  we  find  any  trace  of  the 
footsteps  of  man. 

*'  If  I  were  to  fire  my  gun  from  time  to  time,  and  they  should 
be  on  the  land,  they  would  perhaps  hear  it,"  said  Fritz. 

"Very  likely,"  I  replied;  "but  these  signals  might  bring  wild 
beasts  upon  us,  which  would  not  be  very  agreeable." 

"  Why  should  we  trouble  ourselves  about  those  who  forsook  us 
so  cruelly .?"  asked  Fritz. 

"For  several  reasons,  my  boy,"  I  replied;  "and  first  because 
we  ought  always  to  return  good  for  evil,  and,  therefore,  if  they  could 
not  be  useful  to  us,  we  might  help  them  greatly,  for  they  carried 
nothing  away  from  the  wreck." 

Silently  reflecting,  we  continued  our  walk  inland,  and  at  the 
end  of  two  hours  arrived  at  the  entrance  of  a  wood  not  far  from 
the  sea.  Here  we  halted,  and  seated  ourselves  in  the  cool  shade 
by  a  rippling  brook  which  flowed  under  the  trees.  Around  us 
fluttered  happy  birds  of  various  kinds,  twittering  and  singing 
joyously;  but  they  were  less  remarkable  for  sweetness  of  song  . 
than  for  the  brightness  of  their  plumage.  I 

Presently  Fritz  fancied  he  saw  an  ape  among  the  foliage,  and 
the  uneasiness  of  Turk,  who  barked  furiously,  confirmed  him  in 
his  idea.  He  rose  to  assure  himself  that  he  was  right,  and,  while 
looking  up,  and  regardless  of  his  steps,  he  struck  his  foot  violently 
against  something  round  which  had  fallen  in  his  path. 

He  picked  it  up  and,  bringing  it  to  me,  he  said:  "What  is  this, 
papa  ?     I  think  it  must  be  the  neft  of  some  bird." 

I  smiled  as  I  replied,  "It  is  a  nut,  my  boy,  a  cocoanut,  too."     ■ 

"Some  birds  make  round  nests,  I  know,"  he  persisted. 

"Certainly  they  do,  but  that  is  no  reason  that  this  should  be  a 

[34] 


I 


ROBINSON 

nest.  Do  you  not  remember  that  the  cocoanut  has  two  shells, 
the  outer  one  thin  and  covered  with  fibres,  and  the  inner  one  hard 
and  containing  a  milky  fluid  ?  Break  it,  Fritz,  and  you  will  find 
the  inner  nut  or  kernel  inside." 

He  obeyed,  but  the  nut  was  evidently  an  old  one,  for  the  inside 
of  the  kernel  was  quite  decayed  and  unfit  to  eat. 

Fritz  was  disappointed;  he  had  expected  to  find  the  sweet 
milk  and  the  white  lining  to  the  inner  shell,  and  asked  me  a 
number  of  questions  respecting  the  nut,  which  I  answered  care- 
fully; and  after  this  lesson  in  natural  history  I  proposed  that  we 
should  go  farther  into  the  wood,  where,  no  doubt,  grew  other  cocoa- 
nut-trees,  and  perhaps  meet  with  a  fresher  nut. 

We  succeeded  at  last  in  finding  another,  but  even  this  was 
unpleasant  in  taste  and  contained  no  milk. 

A  little  farther  on  and  the  wood  became  so  thick  that  we  were 
obliged  to  cut  our  way  through  with  the  hatchet.  At  last,  when 
the  trees  grew  farther  apart,  we  saw  to  our  right,  scattered  here 
and  there,  solitary  trees  of  a  peculiar  species,  which  attracted  the 
notice  of  Fritz. 

Presently  his  keen  eyes  espied  two  of  such  a  singular  appear- 
ance that  he  stopped  to  examine  them,  and  then  cried,  "Papa, 
only  look  at  those  trees,  with  large  bulbs  growing  on  the  trunks; 
do  come  and  examine  them." 

I  drew  nearer,  and  found  to  my  great  satisfaction  a  group  of 
calabash-trees  loaded  with  fruit.  Fritz  could  not  understand  my 
pleasure. 

"Whatever  can  those  excrescences  be  V-'  he  asked. 

"We  will  soon  discover  the  secret,"  I  replied.  "Gather  one 
of  them,  and  let  us  examine  the  interior." 

Immediately  he  placed  in  my  hands  a  common  gourd,  or 
pumpkin,  with  a  shell  which  seemed  to  me,  however,  unusually 
soft. 

"This  gourd,  Fritz,"  I  said,  "has  in  general  a  hard,  dry  shell,  of 
which  cups,  plates,  and  bottles  can  be  made.     The  flexible  stem 

[35] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

of  the  plant  on  which  it  grows  winds  itself  round  the  trunks  and 
boughs  of  large  and  strong  trees,  from  which  the  gourd  is  sus- 
pended.    And  can  you  guess  for  what  reason  ?" 

"Yes,"  replied  Fritz;  "without  this  support  the  weight  of  the 
gourd  would  break  the  branches  of  the  plant  on  which  it  grows." 

"You  have  guessed  rightly,"  I  replied;  "and  it  will  prove  to 
you  how  wisely  all  things  are  arranged  by  God." 

"And  are  gourds  good  to  eat.?"  he  asked. 

"They  are  eaten  sometimes,"  I  said,  "although  they  are  not 
pleasant  to  the  taste.  The  shell,  however,  is  very  useful  to  savage 
nations;  they  make  cups  and  plates,  spoons,  bottles,  and  even 
cooking-vessels  of  it." 

"Vessels  for  cooking!"  exclaimed  Fritz.  "Why,  that  seems 
impossible!     The  shell  would  burn  if  placed  on  the  fire." 

"Of  course  it  would,"  I  replied;  "but  they  manage  to  cook 
without  doing  so." 

"That  is  a  curious  idea,  to  cook  without  fire." 

"My  boy,  you  jump  to  conclusions  too  quickly.  I  did  not  say 
they  cooked  their  food  without  fire.  I  wish  you  would  reflect 
before  you  speak.  Let  me  now  explain.  The  natives,  when  they 
use  the  gourd  for  cooking,  divide  the  shell  into  two  parts  and 
fasten  a  handle  on  each.  Into  these  they  pour  water,  as  we 
should  into  a  saucepan,  and  place  in  it  portions  of  fish,  crab,  or 
anything  else  that  they  wish  to  cook.  Red-hot  stones  are  then 
thrown  in,  which  boil  the  water,  and  while  the  dinner  is  being 
quickly  prepared  the  shell  remains  unhurt." 

"Perhaps,  if  I  had  reflected,  I  should  have  guessed  how  they 
managed,"  said  Fritz;  "it  is  a  very  clever  plan,  certainly." 

"And  you  are  as  clever  as  the  friends  of  Columbus.  After  he 
had  discovered  how  to  make  an  egg  stand  on  its  narrowest  point, 
they  said  any  one  might  have  thought  of  cracking  it  gently  to 
flatten  it,  as  he  did." 

"I  suppose  I  am  like  the  friends  of  Columbus,"  said  Fritz, 
laughing;  "at  all  events,  I  shall  be  overjoyed  at  being  able  to 

[36] 


ROBINSON 

provide  my  mother  with  spoons  instead  of  oyster-shells,  as  well  as 
cups  and  basins." 

Fritz  took  up  a  gourd  as  he  spoke,  and  attempted  to  divide  it 
with  his  knife,  but  without  success.  The  blade  appeared  unable 
to  penetrate  the  shell,  and,  after  notching  his  knife  and  spoiling 
the  gourd,  he  threw  the  latter  away  in  a  pet,  wondering  at  the 
hardness  of  a  shell  which  seemed  so  soft. 

"Do  not  be  so  hasty,  my  friend,"  I  exclaimed;  "the  shell  can 
be  opened  in  another  way.     Look  here,  Fritz." 

He  watched  me  with  surprise  as  I  tied  a  piece  of  string  tightly 
round  the  gourd,  which  slightly  opened  the  bark;  I  then  drew  it 
tighter,  and  inserted  the  point  of  my  knife  in  the  opening;  it 
became  at  once  an  easy  task  to  draw  the  string  through  the  softer 
part  within,  and  so  separate  the  shell  into  two  unequal  parts,  each 
forming  a  useful  vase  like  a  basin. 

"What  a  pretty  little  saucepan!"  exclaimed  Fritz.  "Papa,  how 
came  you  to  think  of  such  a  clever  way  .?" 

"From  the  accounts  I  have  read  of  voyages  and  travels  in  savage 
countries,"  I  replied.  "It  proves  the  advantage  of  reading,  for  in 
this  way  I  learned  that  the  natives  who  do  not  possess  knives 
always  open  the  gourds  with  a  piece  of  string." 

I  then  showed  him  how  to  form  the  shell  into  bottles,  spoons, 
and  other  articles,  and  as  each  appeared  he  expressed  his  joy  at 
the  thought  of  the  useful  things  he  should  be  able  to  take  to  his 
mother. 

"They  appear  very  fragile,"  he  said  at  last. 

"That  is  easily  rectified,"  I  replied.  "Fill  them  with  sand,  Fritz, 
and  bury  them  on  the  shore;  the  heat  of  the  sun  will  soon  harden 
them." 

Fritz  appeared  greatly  satisfied  after  performing  this  task,  for  he 
had  no  inclination  to  carry  on  our  exploring  expedition  such  a  load 
as  the  spoons,  cups,  and  basins  we  had  buried  in  the  sand.  But 
we  marked  the  spot,  that  we  might  find  it  again  on  our  road  home. 

As  we  continued  our  walk,  Fritz  employed  himself  in  trying  to 

[37] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

form  a  small  spoon  for  little  Frank  from  a  piece  of  the  gourd  he 
had  thrown  away.  I  also  endeavored  to  fashion  another  from 
the  cocoanut-shell;  but  I  must  own  that  our  productions  were  not 
first-rate. 

"We  recognize  the  savages  as  our  masters  in  this  respect,  Fritz. 
Our  spoons  are  very  inferior  to  theirs." 

"Never  mind,  papa;  I  shall  keep  them  until  we  can  get  better." 

And  I  quite  approved  of  his  intention. 

While  thus  employed,  we  did  not  neglect  to  examine  carefully 
the  country  through  which  we  passed;  but  its  aspect  was  not  in- 
viting. At  length,  after  w^alking  for  nearly  four  hours,  we  arrived 
at  a  kind  of  peninsula,  which  stretched  far  out  into  the  sea,  and 
terminated  in  a  small  but  steep  hill,  the  summit  of  which  appeared 
a  most  convenient  spot  for  taking  a  survey  of  the  sea  and  the 
surrounding   country. 

Up  this  we  climbed  with  some  difficulty,  but  when  we  reached 
the  top  a  glorious  prospect  repaid  us  for  our  trouble.  Before  us 
stretched  the  calm  ocean  sparkling  in  the  sunlight.  To  our  left 
appeared  a  small  bay,  of  which  the  encircling  shore  was  lost  in 
the  distant  boundary  of  sea  and  sky;  while  almost  to  the  water's 
edge  the  rich  verdure  of  the  land,  notwithstanding  its  want  of  cul- 
tivation, displayed  treasures  unknown  on  the  Continent  of  Europe. 

After  gazing  with  delight  on  this  fertile  spot,  we  turned  toward 
the  sea,  and  examined  with  our  glass  its  vast  expanse,  but  no  trace 
of  our  companions  could  be  discovered.  The  same  result  followed 
our  search  through  the  glass  over  the  inland  prospect.  No  habita- 
tions of  man  nor  signs  of  his  presence  could  be  discovered. 

The  reflection  that  we  were  alone  saddened  me,  even  while  the 
appearance  of  nature  in  this  fertile  spot  relieved  us  of  all  fear  that 
we  might  suff'er  from  hunger.  Yet  this  at  last  consoled  me,  and 
I  said,  after  some  minutes  of  silence: 

"Fritz,  God  has  prepared  for  us  another  destiny  to  the  one  we 
anticipated.  He  has  chosen  for  us  the  life  of  colonists,  and  our 
confidence  in  our  heavenly  Father  has  not  been  misplaced.     He 

[38] 


I 


ROBINSON 

orders  all  things  for  the  best,  and  we  will  try  to  be  as  happy  as 
possible  on  our  lonely  island." 

"It  matters  very  little  to  me,"  said  Fritz.  "I  would  rather  be 
alone  than  have  for  our  companions  those  who  so  cruelly  left  us 
to  our  fate.  We  boys  will  soon  grow  strong  enough  to  help  you, 
papa,  and  God  will  preserve  us." 

"True,  my  son.  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  say  this;  it  gives  me 
courage.  However,  we  must  not  remain  here  any  longer  in  this 
burning  sun.  Let  us  find  a  shady  spot  in  which  we  may  rest 
while  we  take  some  refreshment." 

As  we  descended  the  hill  we  perceived  at  some  little  distance  a 
grove  of  palm-trees;  but  to  reach  it  we  had  to  cross  a  large  space 
of  ground  thickly  overgrown  with  tall  reeds,  so  interlaced  with 
one  another  that  our  progress  was  most  difficult. 

We  advanced  slowly  and  cautiously,  for  at  every  step  we  feared 
that  we  should  tread  upon  venomous  snakes.  I  therefore  sent 
Turk  on  before  that  he  might  give  us  warning,  and,  as  a  further 
means  of  defence,  I  cut  from  the  reeds,  which  were  tall  and  thick, 
one  of  the  strongest  I  could  find,  and  carried  it  in  my  hand. 

Very  soon,  to  my  astonishment,  a  glutinous  liquid  ran  between 
my  fingers.  I  touched  it  with  my  lips,  and  its  sweet  taste  proved 
to  me  at  once  that  we  had  discovered  a  wild  overgrowth  of  sugar- 
canes.  I  tasted  it  again,  and  my  certainty  was  confirmed,  espe- 
cially as  I  found  the  juice  very  refreshing. 

Presently  I  told  Fritz,  who  was  a  little  in  advance  of  me,  to  cut 
a  reed  as  a  protection,  but  I  said  nothing  of  the  sugar.  I  left  to 
him  the  pleasure  of  finding  it  out  for  himself. 

He  obeyed  at  once,  seized  the  cane,  and  commenced  brandish- 
ing it  over  his  head  and  striking  the  reeds  right  and  left,  to  frighten 
away  the  serpents.  In  so  doing  he  broke  it,  and  set  free  an 
abundance  of  the  juice,  which  streamed  upon  his  hands. 

Without  a  word  he  tasted  it,  and  immediately  sucked  his  fingers, 
laughing  and  jumping  for  joy  as  he  cried: 

"Papa!  oh,  papa!  it  is  the  sugar-cane!     Only  taste  it!     I  am 

i39] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

sure  it  is  sugar-cane.  Ah,  how  delighted  my  dear  mother  and  the 
boys  will  be  if  I  carry  some  home  for  them!" 

While  exclaiming  in  this  way,  he  broke  the  cane  in  pieces,  and 
sucked  it  so  eagerly  that  I  was  obliged  to  check  him,  for  fear  he 
should  make  himself  ill. 

"We  should  take  in  moderation  anything  that  pleases  the 
palate,"  I  said,  "or  what  we  long  for  very  much  may  become 
hurtful." 

"  I  can,  however,  cut  down  enough  sugar-sticks  to  carry  with  us, 
to  refresh  ourselves  on  our  way  home,  and  that  mamma  and  my 
brothers  may  share  in  the  pleasure  of  our  discovery." 

"I  can  have  no  objection,  Fritz;  but  will  it  not  be  too  heavy 
a  load  to  carry  such  a  distance  .?" 

My  advice  fell  powerless.  Fritz  cut  down  a  dozen  of  the 
finest  and  largest  canes,  and  tied  them  in  a  bundle,  which  he 
took  under  his  arm.  We  then  continued  our  way  till  the  cane 
forest  came  to  an  end,  and  we  found  ourselves  in  the  grove  of 
palm-trees. 

Seating  ourselves  beneath  the  pleasant  shade,  we  were  glad  to 
rest  while  partaking  of  our  frugal  repast.  Presently  a  troop  of 
monkeys,  alarmed  at  our  appearance  as  well  as  at  the  furious 
barking  of  Turk,  sprang  to  the  tops  of  the  trees  with  such  rapidity 
that  we  could  not  follow  their  movements  with  our  eyes. 

As  soon  as  they  found  themselves  safe  they  commenced  jabber- 
ing at  us  with  all  their  might,  grinding  their  teeth  and  uttering  the 
most  horrible  cries. 

I  had  only  just  time  to  notice  that  these  creatures  had  perched 
'themselves  on  the  cocoanut-trees,  and  therefore  that  I  could  make 
them  useful,  when  I  saw  Fritz  throw  down  his  bundle  of  canes, 
seize  his  gun,  and  point  it  at  one  of  the  monkeys. 

My  hasty  cry  arrested  his  hand. 

"What  are  you  about,  Fritz.?  What  advantage  will  you  gain 
by  destroying  even  one  of  those  poor  animals  .?" 

"Why  should  they  not  be  killed?"  he  said,  angrily.     *'Just 

[4°] 


I 


ROBINSON 


THEY    POURED    DOWN    ON 
US  A  HAIL  OF  COCOANUTS 


R  O  BIN  SON 

look  how  they  are  showing  their  teeth  at  us!  I  beheve  they  are 
spiteful,  malicious  creatures." 

"And  do  their  menaces  excite  the  anger  of  wise  Fritz?"  I  re- 
plied. "  I  am,  indeed,  astonished.  If  an  animal  does  us  no  injury, 
its  death  is  useless,  except  for  food.  We  ought  never  to  kill  them 
for  revenge;  and  I  think  I  know  a  better  way  to  make  them  useful 
than  if  you  were  to  kill  a  dozen.  I  am  going  to  try,  but  take  care 
of  your  head.  If  my  stratagem  succeeds,  they  will  give  us  a  good 
return  for  saving  their  skins." 

I  picked  up  some  stones  as  I  spoke,  which  I  threw  at  the 
monkeys,  but  not  high  enough  to  reach  them.  Their  rage  at  this 
increased  to  fury,  and  presently  they  plucked  and  poured  down 
upon  us  a  perfect  hail  of  cocoanuts.  The  nuts  fell  around  us  in 
every  direction,  and  we  had  to  save  ourselves  as  we  best  could  in 
the  shelter  of  the  trees,  or  by  jumping  aside  to  avoid  them. 

Fritz  laughed  so  heartily  that  he  had  scarcely  strength  left  to 
escape;  but  when  the  cocoanut  shower  ceased  he  gathered  up  as 
many  as  he  could  carry  with  eager  satisfaction. 

Then  we  sought  for  a  spot  on  which  to  sit  and  enjoy  our  har- 
vest of  nuts,  the  shells  of  which  we  broke  with  a  hatchet;  and 
by  making  a  hole  at  one  end  of  the  kernel  with  a  knife,  and 
another  on  the  opposite  side,  we  were  able  to  suck  the  milk  from 
it.^  It  was  not  exactly  to  our  taste,  but  after  breaking  the  inner 
shell  we  found  a  white  part  inside,  which,  being  easily  scraped  off 
with  the  new  spoons,  proved  very  agreeable  eating.  The  juice 
from  the  sugar-canes  completed  our  delicious  feast. 

The  remains  of  the  crab,  now  despised,  were  given  to  Turk,  with 
a  few  biscuits,  and  as  even  then  he  did  not  appear  satisfied,  we 
threw  him  some  pieces  of  the  sugar-cane  and  cocoanuts,  which  he 
pounced  upon  eagerly,  and  crunched  them  between  his  teeth  till 
not  a  morsel  remained. 

*  The  milky  liquid  is  only  found  in  the  cocoanut  while  it  is  unripe.  As  the 
nut  ripens  the  milk  congeals  and  gradually  grows  firm  and  white.  When  over- 
ripe this  white  substance  is  hard  and  very  unwholesome;  but  in  its  most  per- 
fect state  this  lining  of  the  cocoanut-shell  is  firm,  soft,  and  sweet. 

[43] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

After  we  had  finished  our  repast  I  selected  a  few  of  the  cocoa- 
nuts,  the  stalks  of  which  still  adhered;  these  I  tied  together,  to 
enable  me  to  carry  them  more  easily.  Fritz  took  up  his  bundle 
of  sugar-canes,  and,  thus  laden,  we  started  on  our  walk  homeward 
to  rejoin  our  family. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  IV 

THE    HOMEWARD   JOURNEY 

N  a  very  short  time  I  discovered  that  Fritz  began 
to  feel  the  bundle  of  canes  He  heavily  on  his  shoul- 
ders. He  shifted  it  from  one  to  the  other  continu- 
ally, and  at  last,  placing  it  under  his  arm,  with  a  sigh 
he  exclaimed, 

"Really,  papa,  I  never  could  have  supposed  these  reeds  would 
prove  so  heavy;  and  yet  I  do  wish  to  carry  them  home,  that 
mamma  and  my  brothers  may  taste  them." 

"  Patience  and  courage,  my  boy,"  I  replied.  "  Do  you  not  recall 
the  fable  of  ^Esop,  in  which  he  speaks  of  a  bread-basket,  so  heavy 
at  the  commencement  of  a  journey,  and  so  light  at  the  end  of  it  ^ 
Your  burden  will  diminish  in  the  same  manner,  for  we  shall  have 
occasion  often  to  refresh  ourselves  before  we  reach  home.  Give 
me,  therefore,  at  once  a  cane,  which  shall  be  to  me  a  pilgrim's  staff 
as  well  as  a  cruise  of  honey;  and  I  advise  you  to  follow  my  ex- 
ample. Besides,  if  you  tie  the  rest  tightly  to  the  end  of  your  gun, 
and  carry  it  across  your  shoulder,  you  will  find  the  burden  much 
lighter.  Necessity  is  the  mother  of  invention,  and  we  need  our 
inventive  powers  more  especially  when  our  strength  fails." 

As  we  continued  our  journey,  Fritz  remarked  that  I  was  sucking 
the  end  of  the  cane  he  had  given  me,  and  appeared  refreshed. 

"  How  cleverly  you  manage,  papa !"  he  said.  *'  I  have  tried  with 
all  my  efforts  to  obtain  sugar  from  one  of  the  canes,  but  I  cannot 
succeed." 

"There  is  a  cause  for  your  failure,"  I  replied;  *' reflect  a  little, 
and  perhaps  you  will  find  it  out." 

l45] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

After  a  few  minutes  of  silence  he  exclaimed: 

"Papa,  I  have  discovered  the  reason;  suction  requires  air  to 
assist  it.  I  believe  if  I  make  a  hole  just  above  the  first  joint  of  the 
cane  that  the  juice  will  come." 

While  he  thus  spoke  he  pierced  a  small  opening  with  the  point 
of  his  penknife,  and  the  sweet  liquid  passed  freely  into  his  mouth. 

"How  wonderful  it  is,  papa!"  he  said,  as  he  walked  on,  much 
refreshed;  "but  I  cannot  quite  understand  why  it  should  require 
this  opening." 

"It  is  a  natural  law,"  I  replied,  "that  nature  abhors  a  vacuum, 
or  empty  space.  Therefore,  as  by  suction  you  draw  out  the  air 
from  the  hollow  cane,  tKe  sugar  juice  rushes  in  to  fill  up  the 
vacuum.  But,  my  boy,  we  must  not  be  extravagant  with  our 
refreshing  liquid,  or  we  shall  have  nothing  left  to  carry  to  the  tent 
but  dry  sticks.  Do  not  let  that  trouble  you,  however,  for  the  heat 
of  the  sun  will  most  likely  turn  the  sweet  juice  sour,  after  the 
canes  have  been  cut  and  exposed  to  the  heat  of  the  sun.  At  all 
events,  I  hope  we  shall  have  enough  left  to  show  what  a  discovery 
we  have  made  to  your  mother  and  brothers." 

"And  if  not,"  said  Fritz,  "I  have  some  bottles  full  of  cocoanut 
milk  in  my  game-bag,  tightly  corked  down,  that  will  be  a  treat  for 
them." 

"Don't  make  too  sure,  Fritz.  You  may  find  a  bottle  full  of 
vinegar  instead  of  cocoanut  milk  when  we  reach  home.  When 
taken  out  of  its  natural  receptacle  it  quickly  spoils." 

"Shall  we  try  one  now  .?"  he  asked.  "It  would  be  unfortunate 
to  find  nothing  but  vinegar  to  offer  to  mamma." 

A  bottle  was  taken  from  the  bag,  and  as  we  endeavored  to 
force  the  cork  out  with  a  penknife  it  burst  forth  with  an  explosion 
like  gunpowder,  and  the  contents  flew  into  the  air,  frothing  and 
foaming  like  champagne. 

"The  movement  in  walking  has  caused  it  to  ferment,"  I  said, 
as  I  tasted  the  liquor,  "and  it  is  really  very  pleasant  and  re- 
freshing," 

[46] 


ROBINSON 

Fritz  followed  my  example  so  eagerly  that  I  was  obliged  to 
warn  him  that  drinking  too  much  would  intoxicate  him  and  give 
him  a  bad  headache  next  morning. 

"Mamma  will  like  this,"  he  said,  as  we  continued  our  way. 

"I  fear  not,"  was  my  reply.  "The  heat  will  cause  a  repetition 
of  the  fermentation,  and  the  next  stage  produces  vinegar." 

While  thus  conversing  we  arrived  at  the  spot  where  we  had  left 
our  plates,  basins,  and  spoons  to  harden  in  the  sand.  We  found 
them  so  dry  and  well  preserved  that  they  could  easily  be  carried 
in  the  game-bag  without  inconvenience. 

We  had  scarcely  entered  the  wood  in  which  we  had  dined 
when  Turk  rushed  past  us,  barking  furiously  at  a  group  of  mon- 
keys, who  were  enjoying  their  gambols  in  perfect  ignorance  of  our 
approach. 

Alarmed  at  the  barking  of  the  dog,  they  sprang  into  the  trees 
out  of  his  way — all  but  a  female  monkey,  who  carried  a  little  one 
on  her  back  and  could  not  escape. 

Before  we  reached  him,  Turk  had  seized  the  poor  animal,  and 
although  Fritz  rushed  to  the  rescue,  throwing  off  his  hat  and  the 
sugar-canes,  he  arrived  too  late  to  save  her.  The  poor  creature 
was  dead  and  Turk  preparing  to  devour  her. 

With  angry  indignation  Fritz  tried  to  drive  the  dog  away,  but 
as  I  reached  the  spot  I  advised  him  to  desist.  The  unsatisfied 
hunger  of  Turk  had  rendered  him  savage,  and  therefore  dangerous. 
The  conduct  of  the  baby  monkey  at  this  moment  also  diverted  his 
mind  from  the  sad  spectacle,  and  caused  me  great  amusement. 

It  had  fallen  on  the  grass  when  Turk  seized  its  mother,  and  was 
looking  at  the  dog  and  making  all  sorts  of  grimaces.  The  instant 
the  little  one  caught  sight  of  Fritz,  with  one  spring  he  jumped  on 
his  back  and  clung  firmly  to  his  hair.  Neither  cries  nor  blows  on 
the  poor  little  creature  could  release  Fritz  of  his  burden;  and, 
seeing  there  was  no  danger,  the  annoyance  to  Fritz  and  the  gri- 
maces of  the  little  monkey  rendered  it  impossible  for  me  to  help 
laughing  heartily. 

[47] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY  I 

I  hastened,  however,  to  remove  the  unw^elcome  guest,  and 
by  caresses  and  gentleness  I  succeeded  in  relieving  Fritz  of  his 
burden.  I  took  it  in  my  arms  as  I  w^ould  an  infant,  and  my  pity 
rose  for  its  helplessness.  It  w^as  not  much  larger  than  a  kitten, 
and  evidently  incapable  of  providing  for  itself. 

"The  little  creature  has  lost  its  mother  and  has  taken  you  for 
its  adopted  father,  Fritz,"  I  said,  joking  him.  "I  v^onder  what 
resemblance  he  finds  in  you  to  his  own  family  ?" 

"The  little  rogue!"  laughed  Fritz.  "I  suppose  he  discovered 
that  I  am  a  good-natured  chap  and  kind  to  animals,  so  he 
placed  himself  under  my  protection;  but  he  has  pulled  my  hair 
terribly." 

"What  shall  I  do  with  it  ?"  I  said.  "If  we  take  it  home,  how 
are  we  to  feed  it  in  our  poverty  ?" 

"Father,"  said  Fritz,  "do  let  me  keep  it  and  bring  it  up.  We 
can  feed  it  with  cocoanut  milk;  or,  if  we  get  the  cow  and  the  goat 
from  the  ship,  there  will  be  milk  to  spare.  And  perhaps  the  in- 
stinct of  this  little  creature  may  help  us  to  discover  if  the  fruits 
and  vegetables  we  find  are  fit  for  food." 

"I  cannot  object,  my  son,"  I  replied;  "and  I  am  pleased  to 
find  you  have  no  foolish  resentment  against  the  poor  little  beast. 
You  shall  bring  up  your  protege;  and,  according  to  the  manner 
in  which  it  is  trained,  its  instinct  will  be  useful  or  hurtful."  i 

Meanwhile  the  dreadful  dog  tranquilly  finished  his  horrible 
meal.  But  we  did  not  wait  for  him,  although  he  could  scarcely 
be  blamed  for  his  animal  instincts;  in  fact,  the  dog  was  half 
starved. 

Taking  the  bundle  of  sugar-canes  and  the  game-bag,  I  allowed 
the  little  monkey  to  resume  his  place  on  the  shoulders  of  Fritz, 
and  we  continued  our  walk. 

Presently  we  heard  Turk  trotting  after  us,  and  although  we 
overwhelmed  him  with  reproaches  for  his  cruel  conduct,  he  did 
not  trouble  himself,  but  walked  quietly  behind  Fritz. 

The  presence  of  the  dog  alarmed  the  monkey,  and  in  his  fright 

[48] 


ROBINSON 

he  crept  over  the  shoulder  of  Fritz  and  nestled  in  his  bosom  for 
protection,  becoming  at  last  very  troublesome. 

A  sudden  thought  flashed  across  the  youth's  mind.  He  took  a 
piece  of  string  from  his  pocket,  tied  it  round  Turk's  neck,  and 
placed  the  little  monkey  on  his  back.  He  then  put  the  end  of 
the  string  in  the  fore  paw  of  the  tiny  cavalier,  and  addressed  Turk 
in  these  pathetic 
words: 

"As  you  have 
killed  the  mother, 
it  is  but  fair  that 
you  should  carry 
the  child  your- 
self." 

The  dog  at  first 
objected  to  this 
arrangement,  but 
by  coaxings  and 
threats  we  induced 
him  to  submit. 
The  little  monkey,  who  at  first  appeared  to  dislike  his  new  seat, 
finished  at  last  by  making  himself  comfortable. 

This  scheme  of  Fritz  amused  me  greatly,  and  presently  I  said, 
with  a  laugh : 

"We  are  approaching  our  home  like  two  mountebanks  going  to 
a  fair  with  a  monkey  and  a  performing  dog.  What  a  clamor  of 
rejoicing  there  will  be  when  the  boys  see  usl" 

Still  advancing  on  our  way  as  we  talked,  we  arrived  near  the 
stream  which  we  had  crossed  at  the  falls  in  the  morning  almost 
before  we  were  aware.  The  dog  Floss,  which  had  been  left  at  the 
tent,  scented  us  from  afar,  and  saluted  our  approach  by  barking 
loudly.  Turk  barked  in  reply  with  all  his  might,  and  so  alarmed 
his  little  cavalier  that  he  sprang  from  the  dog's  back  to  the 
shoulders  of  Fritz,  and  nothing  could   induce  him  to  descend. 

4  [49] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Then  Turk,  finding  himself  free,  set  off  to  reconnoitre  the  country, 
and  crossed  the  river  by  swimming,  that  he  might  the  more  quickly 
join  his  companions  and  announce  our  arrival. 

Very  soon  the  dear  ones  appeared,  one  after  the  other,  on  the 
opposite  bank,  to  welcome  our  approach  and  to  testify  their  joy 
at  our  happy  return.  We  crossed  the  river  at  the  same  spot  as  in 
the  morning,  and  very  soon  found  ourselves  in  the  arms  of  one 
another. 

But  the  children  scarcely  gave  themselves  time  to  examine  what 
we  had  brought  before  they  commenced  jumping  and  shouting 
joyfully. 

'*Oh,  a  monkey!  Fritz,  where  did  you  find  it?  Oh,  what 
a  pretty  little  creature!  I  wish  I  knew  what  it  could  eat.  But 
what  are  those  sticks  for  ^  And  look  at  those  great  things  papa 
is  carrying." 

These  questions  and  cries  crossed  one  another  so  rapidly  that 
we  knew  not  which  way  to  turn  or  how  to  reply. 

When  the  first  transports  were  over  and  they  calmed  down  a 
little,  I  said: 

"  I  am  overjoyed  to  see  you  all  once  more,  my  dear  ones.  We 
have  returned  in  safety,  thank  God,  and  we  have  brought  you  all 
sorts  of  good  things;  but  we  have  not  succeeded  in  finding  any 
trace  of  our  fellow-travellers,  nor,  indeed,  any  signs  of  inhabitants 
on  this  island." 

"Let  us  praise  God  for  uniting  us  once  more  in  safety,"  said 
my  wife;  "and  I  thank  Him  that  we  can  still  be  happy  in  our 
own  society  and  love.  And  first  let  us  relieve  you  of  your 
burdens." 

Jack  immediately  took  my  gun,  Ernest  loaded  himself  with  the 
cocoanuts,  Frank  carried  the  spoons  and  plates  made  from  the 
gourds,  and  my  wife  the  game-bag.  Fritz  untied  the  sugar-canes 
from  his  gun,  and  asked  Ernest  to  carry  them,  while  he  again 
placed  the  little  monkey  on  Turk's  back. 

Ernest,  although  he  carried  the  cocoanuts,  could  not  refuse; 

[50] 


ROBINSON 

but  he  appeared  so  laden  that  his  mother,  out  of  pity,  took  the 
nuts  from  him. 

"Ah,"  said  Fritz,  "if  Ernest  only  knew  what  he  had  given  up 
he  would  soon  ask  for  them  again.  They  are  cocoanuts,  Ernest, 
the  dear  nuts  that  you  are  so  fond  of." 

"Cocoanuts!"  he  exclaimed.     "Ah,  mamma,  let  me  have  them 
again.     I  can  carr}^  them  easily,  gun  and  all." 
I    "No,  no,  my  child;    I  shall,  perhaps,  hear  you  complaining 
again  presently  how  the  load  fatigues  you." 

"I  can  throw  away  these  sticks,  then,  and  carry  the  gun  in 
my  hand." 

"Throw  away  those  sticks,  will  you  ?"  cried  Fritz.  "Why, 
chey  are  sugar-canes!  Come  here,  Ernest,  and  I  will  show  you 
how  to  get  at  the  sugar." 

"Sugar-canes!  sugar-canes!"  was  the  general  cry,  as  the  boys 
lall  clustered  round  Fritz  and  begged  him  to  relate  how  and  where 
he  discovered  them. 

And  so  one  thing  after  another  was  described  and  explained; 
)^et,  after  all,  nothing  gave  more  complete  satisfaction  than  the 
cups,  plates,  and  spoons  made  out  of  the  gourds  from  the  calabash- 
tree. 

When  we  reached  the  tent  I  found  a  wonderful  repast  preparing 
for  us  at  the  cooking-place. 

I  Upon  a  large  fire  burning  on  the  stone  hearth  stood  the  iron 
pot  full  of  soup.  From  a  piece  of  wood,  which  rested  at  each  end 
on  two  other  pieces  fixed  in  the  ground,  hung  a  goose  roasting,  the 
fat  falling  into  dried  oyster-shells  underneath  it. 

Several  kinds  of  fish  were  cooking  on  the  hot  stones;  and,  best 
of  all,  there  stood  at  a  little  distance  one  of  the  chests  I  had  saved 
from  the  wreck.  My  wife  and  the  boys  had  contrived  to  drag  it 
up  from  the  riverside  and  open  it,  and  I  could  see  it  contained  a 
large  number  of  Dutch  cheeses  wrapped  in  thin  sheets  of  lead. 

All  this  was  ver}^  tempting  to  travellers  whose  hunger  was  far 
from  being  satisfied. 

[5'] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"It  appears  to  me,  my  dear  children,  that  you  certainly  have 
not  been  idle  during  our  absence;  yet  it  was  almost  a  pity  so  soon 
to  kill  one  of  our  geese.  I  wished  so  much  to  spare  the  denizens 
of  our  farm-yard." 

"Do  not  be  uneasy,  dear  husband,"  said  my  wife;  "that  is  not 
one  of  our  geese,  but  a  wild  bird  with  a  singular  name  which 
Ernest  killed,  and  he  assures  me  it  is  very  good  eating." 

"I  believe  it  is  a  penguin,  papa,"  said  Ernest;  "and  I  call  it 
a  booby  because  it  allowed  me  to  kill  it  so  easily  with  a  stick. 
After  it  was  dead  I  felt  sorry,  for  it  appeared  so  tame." 

"What  sort  of  feet  and  beak  has  this  bird  ?"  I  asked. 

"It  has  the  feet  of  aquatic  birds,"  replied  Ernest,  "for  all  the 
four  toes  are  united  by  a  membrane.  The  beak  is  long,  slender, 
and  strong;  a  little  curved  at  the  extremity,  and  exactly  like  the 
description  of  a  penguin  which  I  read  in  my  natural  history  at 
home.     I  have  saved  the  head  and  neck  to  show  you,  papa." 

"I  do  not  doubt  you  are  right,  my  boy;  and  it  proves  to  you 
how  much  may  be  learned  by" reading  attentively." 

"Come,  now,"  said  his  mother,  "let  us  drop  discussion.  Do 
you  not  observe  how  the  eyes  of  Ernest  are  fixed  on  the  cocoa- 
nuts  while  he  talks  ?  Let  him  have  the  pleasure  of  tasting  as  well 
as  carrying  them." 

"Willingly,"  I  replied,  "but  Fritz  must  show  him  how  to  obtain 
the  milk  by  suction;  and  the  poor  little  monkey  must  not  be 
forgotten." 

"  But  he  won't  take  anything,  papa,"  said  Jack.  "  I  have  tried 
him  with  all  I  can  think  of." 

"We  must  try  him  presently  with  the  milk  of  the  cocoanut,"  I 
said.     "No  doubt  he  will  drink  that." 

My  wife  summoned  us  to  supper,  and  we  all  seated  ourselves  on 
the  ground,  with  the  spoons,  basins,  and  plates  made  from  the 
calabash-tree,  which  we  found  most  useful.  I  broke  the  outer 
covering  of  two  cocoanuts  for  them,  and  they  quite  enjoyed  the 
white  lining  of  the  inner  shell  after  I  had  extracted  the  milk. 

[52] 


ROBINSON 


THE  BATTLE  WITH  THE  JACKALS 


ROBINSON 

Some  of  this  was  saved  for  the  monkey,  and  the  boys,  after 
dipping  the  corners  of  their  handkerchiefs  in  it,  were  delighted  to 
Rnd  that  the  little  creature  could  suck  them  eagerly,  for  now  there 
,vas  hope  of  rearing  him  to  a  full-grown  ape. 

I  promised  to  show  the  boys  how  to  make  spoons  and  cups  from 
:he  cocoanut-shells,  which  they  were  very  anxious  to  do;  and  the 
mother  was  delighted  to  find  she  need  not  again  serve  out  the  soup 
|in  oyster-shells.  We  enjoyed  our  supper,  although  no  one  liked 
jto  try  the  penguin  till  I  set  them  the  example.  It  had  rather  a 
taste  of  tram  oil;   however,  we  managed  to  eat  some  of  it. 

I  forgot  to  mention  that,  while  we  were  enjoying  the  fish,  which 
vvere  very  good,  Fritz  asked  if  his  mother  would  not  like  to  taste 
the  cocoanut  champagne. 

"Taste  it  first  yourself,  Fritz,"  I  said,  "so  that  you  may  know 
what  you  are  about  to  offer  to  your  mother." 

"Ho!"  he  exclaimed,  presently,  with  a  wry  face,  "it  is  vinegar!'* 

"As  I  expected,  my  boy;  but  never  mind,  vinegar  is  very  good 
with  fish."  And  as  I  spoke  I  poured  some  into  my  gourd  basin, 
and  the  rest  followed  my  example. 

!  Then,  while  we  ate  for  dessert  cheese,  cocoanuts,  and  sugar- 
cane juice,  each  related  his  exploits,  and  explained  how  the  fish, 
the  penguin,  the  cocoanuts,  the  sugar-canes,  and  so  on,  were  found. 

It  was  near  sunset  by  the  time  we  had  finished,  and  necessary, 
therefore,  to  prepare  our  beds  for  the  night.  My  wife  and  the 
boys  had  provided  a  large  quantity  of  dry  moss  and  grass  to 
spread  on  the  floor  of  our  tent,  and  we  expected,  in  consequence, 
to  find  our  beds  softer  than  on  the  preceding  night. 

The  poultry  were  already  gone  to  roost  on  the  ridge  of  the  tent, 
and  the  geese  and  ducks  had  betaken  themselves  to  their  night 
quarters.  And  after  oflPering  our  evening  prayer  we  entered  the 
tent.  The  baby  ape  entered  with  us,  and  Fritz  and  Jack  took  the 
little  motherless  creature  to  sleep  between  them,  to  protect  him 
from  the  cold. 

My  wife  and  the  boys  lay  down  to  rest,  and  after  I  had  closed 

I  55] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY, 

the  entrance  to  the  tent  I  followed  their  example,  and,  overcome 
with  the  fatigues  of  the  day,  soon  slept  as  soundly  as  they  did. 

We  had  not  been  asleep  long,  however,  when  I  was  aroused  byj 
the  restless  movements  of  the  fowls  and  the  barking  and  yelping 
of  the  dogs.  Seizing  my  gun,  I  rushed  out  quickly,  followed  by 
my  wife  and  Fritz,  who  were  also  armed. 

In  amazement  I  perceived,  by  the  light  of  the  moon,  that  a  great 
battle  was  going  on,  at  a  little  distance,  between  a  number  of  jackals 
and  our  brave  dogs.  Already  they  had  settled  three  or  four  of 
tlieir  assailants,  and  those  who  remained  surrounded  them,  hoping 
to  take  them  at  a  disadvantage;  but  the  two  courageous  animals 
kept  them  at  bay  and  would  not  allow  them  to  approach.  We  were 
just  in  time  to  save  them  from  being  overpowered.  Fritz  and  I 
fired  together,  two  of  the  jackals  fell  dead  on  the  sand,  and  our 
second  volley  wounded  others,  while  the  rest  took  to  flight. 

The  dogs  quickly  despatched  the  wounded,  and,  after  waiting  a 
few  minutes  to  see  if  any  returned,  we  were  about  to  re-enter  the 
tent,  when  Fritz  asked  permission  to  bring  the  jackal  he  had  killed 
away  from  the  dogs,  who  were  proving  their  brotherhood  to  the 
wild  animals  of  their  species  by  devouring  their  remains.  He 
wished  to  preserve  it,  to  show  to  his  brothers  in  the  morning  as  a 
proof  of  his  prowess,  and  his  mother  readily  gave  him  permission. 
Not  without  great  efforts,  however,  could  he  drag  the  dead  body 
of  the  animal  to  the  tent,  for  it  was  unusually  large.  He  succeeded  I 
at  last  in  hiding  it  among  the  rocks  behind  our  tent,  and  then  we  ■ 
returned  to  the  sleepers,  who  had  not  been  disturbed  by  the  un- 
usual noise. 

We  fell  asleep  again  almost  immediately,  and  did  not  wake  till 
the  crowing  of  the  cocks  announced  the  return  of  the  sun. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  V 


A    SUCCESSFUL    VOYAGE 

Y  Hrst  thoughts,  on  waking,  made  me  anxious.  So 
many  duties  pressed  upon  me  that  I  at  once  began 
to  consult  my  wife,  and  seek  her  advice. 

"What  shall  I  undertake  first  to-day,  dear  wife  ?" 
I  said.  *'I  know  a  voyage  to  the  ship  is  absolutely 
necessary  if  we  wish  to  save  the  animals  from  starving;  and  there 
are  so  many  things  on  the  wreck  that  would  be  useful  to  us.  On 
the  other  hand,  we  have  much  to  do  here,  and  above  all  to  con- 
struct a  new  dwelling-place." 

"Do  not  be  uneasy,  dear  husband,"  she  replied;  "with  patience, 
order,  and  persevering  diligence  all  will  be  accomplished  in  time; 
and  most  certainly  a  voyage  to  the  wreck  is  first  necessary,  for, 
should  a  storm  arise,  everything  on  board  would  be  lost.  'Take 
no  thought  for  to-morrow,  for  the  morrow  will  take  thought  for 
the  things  of  itself,'  said  the  great  Friend  of  mankind,  and  we 
must  not  anticipate  evil,  but  trust  in  Him  to  guide  us  in  all 
we  do." 

This  advice  so  agreed  with  my  own  wishes  that  I  determined  to 
follow  it,  and,  after  arranging  that  the  younger  boys  should  re- 
main on  shore  with  their  mother,  and  Fritz  accompany  me,  I 
roused  the  sleepers. 

"Up,  up,  children!"  I  cried.     "It  is  bright  daylight,  and  we 
have  so  much  to  perform  to-day.     'The  morning  hour  carries  gold 
in  its  mouth.'" 
i      But  the  younger  boys  found  it  no  easy  matter  to  rouse  them- 
selves so  quickly;  they  yawned,  stretched,  and  twisted  about,  to 

[57] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

drive  sleep  from  their  eyelids  for  a  long  time  before  they  could 
feel  quite  awake. 

Fritz,  who  had  an  object  in  view,  was  ready  quickly,  and  rushed 
out  of  the  tent  to  find  the  dead  jackal,  which  he  had  concealed  ' 
among  the  rocks.  The  cold  night  air  had  stiffened  it,  so  that  he 
could  easily  stand  it  on  its  legs  at  the  entrance  of  the  tent  like  a 
sentry.  Then  he  waited  impatiently  for  his  brothers  to  Appear, 
and  wondered  what  they  would  say. 

But  Fritz  had  forgotten  the  dogs.  No  sooner  did  they  catch  | 
sight  of  one  of  their  enemies  on  his  legs  than  they  rushed  forward 
to  attack  it,  barking  and  yelping  furiously;  and  it  was  only  with 
great  difficulty  that  he  kept  them  from  destroying  the  animal, 
which  they  supposed  to  be  alive.  ' 

Meanwhile  those  in  the  tent  were  wondering  what  could  be  the 
matter  with  the  dogs.  But  they  were  still  more  surprised  as  they  1 
came  out,  one  by  one,  at  the  appearance  of  the  strange  animal  \ 
keeping  watch  at  the  entrance.  The  little  monkey  peeped  out, 
with  a  look  of  fear;  but  no  sooner  did  he  perceive  the  jackal  than 
he  rushed  into  the  farthest  corner  of  the  tent,  and  buried  himself 
in  one  of  the  beds  of  moss  so  completely  that  he  entirely  disap- 
peared from  our  sight,  excepting  the  tip  of  his  nose. 

Many  opinions  were  offered  by  the  boys  about  the  strange 
animal.  Ernest  said  it  was  a  fox;  Jack,  a  wolf;  and  Frank  called 
it  a  yellow  dog. 

"Ho,  ho!"  cried  Fritz,  "my  learned  Doctor  Ernest,  you  recog- 
nized the  agouti,  but  you  are  mistaken  now.     A  fox,  indeed !" 

"I  intended  to  say  a  golden  fox,"  said  Ernest. 

"You  might  just  as  well  talk  of  a  golden  wolf,"  replied  Fritz, 
with  an  irritating  laugh. 

"How  teasing  you  are,  Fritz,"  said  Ernest,  in  a  fretful  voice, 
"because  I  am  mistaken  for  once!  You  would  not  have  known 
what  it  was  yourself  if  papa  had  not  told  you,  I  dare  say." 

"Come,  come,  my  children,  do  not  quarrel  about  the  animal," 
I  said.    "  Ernest,  my  boy,  you  must  not  be  so  sensitive  when  you 

[58] 


R  O  B  I  N  SON 

make  mistakes;  and  Fritz,  your  jokes  are  not  always  kind.  Be- 
sides, your  brothers  were  all  right  in  one  respect.  The  jackal  is 
said  by  naturalists  to  belong  to  the  same  family  as  the  fox,  the 
wolf,  and  the  dog." 

My  words  produced  peace,  and  then  eager  inquiries  were  made 
about  what  had  occurred  in  the  night;  and  the  boys  listened  to 
our  account  of  the  battle  between  the  dogs  and  the  jackals  with 
great  interest.  Then  we  assembled  once  more  for  our  morning 
prayer,  and  asked  God  to  guide  and  protect  us  during  the  day." 

At  breakfast  we  were  obliged  to  content  ourselves  with  biscuits, 
which  were  so  hard  that  our  teeth  could  scarcely  break  them.  In 
this  extremity  Fritz  asked  for  cheese,  and  went  behind  the  tent 
to  procure  some  from  the  cask.  Ernest  followed  him,  and  pres- 
ently returned  with  a  bright  face  and  exclaimed: 

*'Oh,  papa,  if  we  could  only  open  that  other  cask!" 

"What  cask,  and  why?" 

"Well,  there  is  a  large  cask  just  outside,  and  through  a  little 
crack  some  grease  runs  out,  and  I  am  sure  it  looks  exactly  like 
butter." 

"If  what  you  say  is  true,  my  boy,"  I  exclaimed,  "you  shall  have 
the  first  slice  of  bread-and-butter  as  a  reward  for  your  discovery." 

We  all  sallied  out  to  examine  this  wonderful  cask,  and  very 
quickly  proved  that  the  boy  was  right.  Another  difficulty  arose: 
how  should  we  contrive  to  obtain  the  butter  I  Fritz  wanted  at 
once  to  take  off  the  first  hoop  and  open  one  end  of  the  cask;  but 
I  told  him  that  the  staves  would  become  loosened  and  separate 
and  the  heat  very  soon  melt  the  butter. 

I  resolved  at  length  to  make  an  opening  large  enough  to  admit 
a  little  wooden  spade,  and  with  this  take  out  as  much  as  we 
required  at  a  time.  My  plan  succeeded,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
we  obtained  a  cocoanut-cup  full  of  beautiful  salt  butter.  We 
softened  the  biscuits  easily  now,  by  covering  them  with  butter  and 
holding  them  to  the  fire  till  it  melted,  so  that,  after  all,  we  had  a 
delicious  breakfast.     During  our  meal,  the  dogs  lay  quietly  by  our 

[59] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

side,  and  did  not  seem  at  all  anxious  for  their  share  of  our  break- 
fast. Presently  it  occurred  to  me  that  they  could  not  possibly 
have  escaped,  in  such  a  battle  as  theirs  during  the  night,  with  a 
whole  skin.  I  examined  the  poor  animals,  and  found  that  they 
had  been  bitten  and  wounded  in  several  places,  especially  about 

the  neck.  My  wife  was 
touched  with  compassion  at 
the  sight,  and  she  proposed 
to  rub  the  places  with  butter, 
as  a  salve.  I  spoke  of  the 
salt,  but  she  quickly  over- 
came that  difficulty  by  wash- 
ing the  butter;  then,  giving 
it  to  Jack,  she  desired  him 
to  take  the  dogs  under  his 
care  and  carefully  anoint 
their  wounds  with  the 
butter. 

This  plan  proved  success- 
ful :  the  animals  very  shortly 
commenced  licking  their 
wounds,  and  in  a  few  days 
they  were  completely  healed. 
"If  we  could  find  some 
spiked  collars  on  the  ship," 
said  Fritz,  while  Jack  en- 
tered upon  his  task,  "it 
would  be  a  protection  to  our 
brave  dogs;  for  the  jackals, 
having  once  discovered 
traces   of   our   whereabouts,  will    be   sure    to    pay   us    another 


visit. 


"Oh,"  cried  Jack,  "I  can  make  some  spiked  collars,  and  good 
ones,  too,  if  mamma  will  help  me." 

[60] 


ROBINSON 

"I  can  promise  you  that,  little  boaster,"  replied  his  mother; 
"and  we  shall  see  what  powers  of  invention  you  possess." 

"That's  right,  my  litde  man,"  I  said,  "exercise  the  inventive 
faculty,  and  if  you  produce  something  useful,  all  the  honor  will 
be  yours.  But  it  is  time  for  us  to  commence  our  work.  Get 
ready,  Fritz;  your  mother  and  I  have  decided  that  you  shall  ac- 
company me  to  the  vessel,  to  assist  in  bringing  away  what  still 
remains,  and  you,  my  dears,  must  stay  with  your  mother.  Be 
obedient  to  her,  my  children,  and  pray  to  God  to  bring  us  back 
to  you  again  in  safety." 

While  Fritz  prepared  our  little  bark  for  the  trip,  I  planted 
upon  a  rock  on  the  shore  a  pole,  with  a  piece  of  sail-cloth  attached 
to  It,  to  serve  as  a  signal  to  us  on  the  wreck  from  those  on  the 
shore.  It  was  agreed  that  in  case  of  danger  the  flag  should  be 
lowered  and  a  gun  fired  three  or  four  times  to  recall  us. 

I  prepared  my  wife  for  the  possibility  that  she  would  have  to 
remain  with  the  boys  alone  all  night,  and  begged  her  not  to  be 
alarmed,  because  our  work  on  the  wreck  might  detain  us  too 
late.     But  her  courage  continued  unshaken. 

We  took  only  our  guns  and  ammunition  with  us,  for  we  knew 
that  sufficient  provisions  could  be  found  on  the  wreck.  And  as 
I  was  about  to  step  into  our  tub-boat,  Fritz  appeared  with  the 
little  monkey  on  his  shoulder,  being  anxious,  as  soon  as  possible, 
to  obtain  for  the  poor  creature  fresh  milk. 

We  left  the  banks  of  the  river  in  sadness  and  silence,  Fritz 
rowing  with  all  his  strength,  and  I  steering.  When  we  reached 
mid-stream  we  found  that  the  river  had  two  openings  into  the 
bay  and  round  a  small  island.  The  current  in  one  being  stronger 
than  the  other,  I  endeavored  to  steer  the  boat  in  that  direction, 
and  with  success. 

This  current  carried  us  gently  three-fourths  of  our  way,  with 
very  little  exertion  on  our  part  to  maintain  the  boat  in  a  right 
direction,  and  by  a  far  shorter  route  than  we  had  taken  when  we 
left  the  wreck. 

[61] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

We  arrived  safely  at  last,  and  moored  our  little  boat  alongside 
the  vessel,  v^hich  we  entered  at  the  opening  already  made  when 
we  escaped. 

No  sooner  had  we  reached  the  deck  than  Fritz,  with  the  little 
monkey  in  his  arms,  ran  tow^ard  the  place  in  which  we  had  left 
the  animals,  which,  by  their  bleating,  lowing,  and  grunting,  seem- 
ed delighted  to  see  us.  Hunger  could  not  have  caused  this  evi- 
dent pleasure,  for  they  had  plenty  of  food  and  water. 

Without  a  word  Fritz 
placed  the  monkey  near  the 
goat,  while  I  looked  on  with 
amusement  at  his  eager  anx- 
iety to  obtain  suitable  nour- 
ishment for  the  motherless 
animal.  He  had  not  to  wait 
long.  The  goat  readily  re- 
ceived it  as  her  foster-child, 
and  in  a  very  few  minutes 
Master  Monkey,  with  many 
grimaces,  was  enjoying  a 
delicious  feast  of  goat's 
milk. 

After  we  had  supplied  the 
animals  with  fresh  food  and 
water,  we  commenced  a 
search  for  provisions  for  our- 
selves, tk.  give  us  strength  to 
work,  and  quickly  found  all  we  needed. 

Then  followed  the  question.  What  shall  be  done  first.?  Fritz 
proposed  that  we  should  have  a  sail  for  our  little  boat. 

"That  does  not  appear  to  me  at  all  necessary,"  I  said,  "at 
least  when  we  have  other  things  of  ten  times  more  importance  to 
attend  to;   but  what  are  your  reasons,  Fritz.?" 

"Well,"  he  said,  "while  we  crossed  this  morning,  I  noticed  that 

[62] 


ROBINSON 

the  wind  blew  strongly  in  my  face,  yet  the  current  carried  us  on  in 
spite  of  it.  When  we  return  the  current  will  not  help  us,  but  the 
wind  would,  if  we  had  a  sail.  Besides,  our  boat  will  be  heavy, 
when  we  have  on  board  so  many  things,  and  my  single  oar  will 
be  of  very  little  use." 

This  idea  of  Fritz  about  a  sail  appeared  so  excellent  that  I  de- 
termined to  take  his  advice.  A  sail-yard  was  quickly  found,  of 
which  to  make  a  mast,  and  another,  thinner,  by  which  I  could 
regulate  the  sail.  While  Fritz  bored  a  hole  with  a  chisel  in  one 
of  the  tubs,  I  went  to  the  sail-room  and  cut  off  a  piece  of  cloth,  in 
the  form  of  a  triangle,  which  I  fitted,  with  cords,  pulleys,  and 
rin^s,  to  the  mast,  so  that  I  could  raise  and  lower  it  at  will. 
Then,  with  the  assistance  of  Fritz,  I  fixed  it  in  our  little  boat, 
and  fastened  ropes  and  cords  to  draw  through  the  rings  at  the 
top  and  sides;  and  Fritz,  when  he  saw  it  all  completed,  expressed 
his  delight,  and  declared  that  our  little  bark  was  now  quite  fitted 
for  a  long  voyage. 

He  had  taken  a  survey  of  the  shore  through  his  glass,  and  in- 
formed me  that  all  appeared  safe  among  our  dear  ones  on  the 
land.  At  the  same  time  he  brought  me  a  little  colored  silk  ker- 
chief, which  he  asked  me  to  fasten  to  the  top  of  the  mast  as  a 
pennant.  I  smiled  to  myself  at  his  boyish  vanity,  in  the  midst 
of  our  precarious  position;  but  I  did  what  he  asked  me,  and 
presently  the  little  streamer  was  gayly  waving  in  the  wind. 
1  *'Papa,"  he  said,  after  a  few  moments  of  silence,  "you  have 
given  me  a  sail  to  save  me  from  fatigue  in  rowing,  and  now  you 
ought  to  think  of  yourself.  Can  we  not  find  some  way  to  enable 
you  to  steer  with  more  ease  and  safety  ?" 

I      "The  idea  is  a  good  one,"  I  said,  "and  I  think  it  can  be  man- 

faged";   so  I  attached  to  each  end  of  the  boat  two  thick  cords,  to 

one  of  which  was  adapted  an  oar,  and  I  found  I  could  work  it 

myself  with  as  much  ease  as  the  tiller,  and  thus  make  my  steering 

more  sure. 

All  this  occupied  a  long  time,  and  I  quickly  found  that,  unless 

[63] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

we  returned  with  an  empty  boat,  we  could  not  possibly  reach  the 
shore  before  night.  We  had  arranged,  as  a  signal  of  our  intention 
to  remain  on  the  wreck  all  night,  to  raise  a  flag,  and  we  hastened 
to  do  so  while  daylight  continued,  that  it  might  be  more  easily 
distinguished. 

The  remainder  of  the  day  was  employed  in  removing  from  our 
boat  the  stones  and  other  useless  things  we  had  thrown  in  as 
ballast,  replacing  them  with  articles  of  more  importance.  To 
obtain  these  we  plundered  the  ship  like  vandals,  and  accumulated 
a  rich  booty.  i 

Foreseeing  that  we  might  have  to  remain  a  long  time  in  our 
solitude,  we  stowed  away  in  our  tub-boat  a  large  supply  of  powder 
and  shot,  to  serve  us  in  the  chase,  and  as  a  defence  against  wild 
beasts.  All  the  tools  which  had  been  stored  in  reserve  appeared 
to  us  of  inestimable  value. ^  It  was,  indeed,  difficult  to  choose, 
amid  so  many  useful  articles.  However,  we  supplied  ourselves 
with  those  most  required  in  our  present  need.  Knives,  forks, 
spoons,  and  cooking-vessels,  and  some  silver  articles,  which  we 
found  in  the  captain's  cabin,  with  a  splendid  telescope,  several 
pewter  plates  and  dishes,  and  a  case  of  wine,  well  filled;  gridirons, 
a  roasting-jack,  saucepans,  kettles,  and  frying-pans — all  were  car- 
ried to  our  boat  and  placed  in  the  tubs.  Besides  these,  we  pro- 
vided ourselves  with  a  good  supply  of  eatables — two  Westphalian 
hams,  and  several  bags  of  wheat,  barley,  oats,  and  other  grain. 
In  fact,  I  was  anxious  to  take  as  much  as  we  could  possibly  carry, 
because  the  ship,  being  so  deep  in  the  water,  it  was  not  unlikely 
that  in  the  first  storm  she  would  fall  to  pieces. 

Fritz  reminded  me  that  our  beds  in  the  tent  were  hard  and  cold 
at  night.  We  therefore  added  to  our  cargo  the  contents  of  sev- 
eral hammocks  and  a  few  woollen  coverlids.  Fritz,  who  seemed 
to  fancy  we  could  never  be  sufficiently  armed,  carried  to  the  boat 

1  From  the  large  stores  on  board,  it  might  appear  that  the  vessel  was  laden?! 
with  articles  to  establish  a  colony  in  one  of  the  South  Sea  Islands;  this  is  after- 
ward stated  in  the  original  German  as  a  fact,  and  accounts  for  the  quantity 
of  needful  things  found  in  the  wreck. 

[64] 


ROBINSON 

a  gun,  a  sword,  a  sabre,  a  hunting-knife,  and  a  small  barrel  of 
powder,  while  I  discovered  a  flask  of  brimstone  and  a  roll  of  sail- 
cloth, which  could  not  be  left  behind. 

By  this  time  our  little  boat  was  so  deep  in  the  water  that  I 
should  have  been  obliged  to  lighten  it  but  for  the  smooth  and 
tranquil  sea;  yet,  as  we  determined  to  sleep  on  board  the  boat, 
we  provided  ourselves  with  swimming-vests,  to  be  able  to  escape 
more  easily  in  case  of  danger. 

As  may  be  supposed,  the  night  came  on  before  we  had  quite 
finished  our  work.  I  was  therefore  delighted  to  see  the  blaze  of  a 
large  fire  on  the  rocks,  which  our  dear  ones  had  lighted  to  prove 
that  all  was  well.  In  return  we  attached  four  ship's  lanterns  to 
the  wreck  as  a  signal  that  we  were  safe,  and  the  report  of  two 
guns  from  the  shore  told  us  that  it  was  recognized  and  under- 
stood. 

After  our  evening  prayer  to  Heaven  for  protection  to  them  and 
ourselves,  we  laid  ourselves  down  to  rest;  and  although  our  posi- 
tion in  the  little  tub-boat  was  not  quite  comfortable,  we  slept 
soundly  from  fatigue  till  morning. 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  VI 


A    LIVING    FREIGHT 


ARLY  the  next  morning,  before  it  was  light  enough 
to  distinguish  the  opposite  coast,  I  was  up  on  the 
deck  of  the  wrecked  vessel,  and  directing  my  tele- 
scope toward  the  tent  which  sheltered  my  family. 
Meanwhile,  Fritz  prepared  a  good  breakfast,  and 
we  placed  ourselves,  while  partaking  of  it,  in  a  position  to  enable 
us  to  watch  the  shore.  Very  soon  I  saw  with  joy  my  wife  leave 
the  tent  and  look  earnestly  toward  the  ship.  Instantly  we  hoisted 
a  piece  of  white  linen  in  the  air,  and  received  in  reply  a  triple 
salute  from  the  flag  which  we  had  placed  on  the  shore.  At 
this  a  great  weight  was  lifted  from  my  heart,  for  I  knew  that  all 
was  well  with  those  I  had  left  behind.  As  soon  as  we  had  fin- 
ished breakfast,  I  said: 

"Now,  Fritz,  I  think  we  ought  to  lose  no  time  in  getting  away 
from  the  vessel;  but  as  I  am  assured  that  those  on  shore  are  safe, 
my  compassion  is  awakened  for  the  poor  animals  we  are  about  to 
leave  on  the  wreck,  and  who  are  in  danger  every  moment  of 
perishing  with  it.  Willingly  would  I  give  up  some  of  the  things 
with  which  we  have  loaded  our  boat,  could  we  manage  to  get 
them  on  shore." 

"If  we  constructed  a  raft  we  might  take  them  all,"  said 
Fritz. 

"A  raft  is  not  so  easy  to  make  as  you  imagine,  Fritz,"  I  replied, 
"especially  without  proper  materials." 
After  a  slight  pause,  Fritz  exclaimed: 

"  Could  we  not  fasten  round  the  smaller  animals  the  cork  girdles 

[66] 


ROBINSON 

that  we  made  for  ourselves  ?     It  would  be  great  fun  to  see  them 
swimming  like  fishes." 

"  It  may  be  managed  in  some  way,  Fritz,"  I  replied,  eagerly. 
"Let  us  make  the  attempt  at  once." 

But  these  girdles  with  the  tin  water-flasks  were  too  weak  to 
support  the  larger  animals,  and  another  plan  suggested  itself. 

Four  empty  casks  were  found,  which  we  fastened  together  with 
a  piece  of  sail-cloth,  not  close  to  one  another,  but  far  enough  apart 
for  the  cloth  to  pass  under  the  animal  and  support  it,  while  the 
casks  hung  on  each  side  like  panniers.  These  were  placed  under 
the  cow  and  the  donkey,  and  the  sail-cloth  and  the  tubs  fastened 
by  straps  across  their  backs.* 

Round  the  horns  of  the  cow  and  the  neck  of  the  ass  was  placed 
a  cord,  with  a  piece  of  wood  at  the  end,  so  that  we  might  guide 
them  in  the  water. 

For  the  sheep  and  the  goat  the  cork  girdles  were  found  suffi- 
cient, but  the  sow  was  very  troublesome,  and  we  had  to  tie  her 
up  before  we  could  bind  the  float  around  her.  At  last  our  task 
was  completed.  Each  animal  had  a  string  attached  by  which  we 
could  guide  it;  and  then  came  the  difficulty  of  launching  our 
living  freight  into  the  sea. 

We  led  them  to  the  lower  part  of  the  ship,  and  made  the  first 
experiment  by  giving  the  donkey  a  push  into  the  water.  He  fell 
with  great  force,  but  recovered  himself  quickly,  and  began  to  swim 
between  his  two  casks  with  a  grace  and  ease  that  made  Fritz  clap 
his  hands  in  delight. 

The  cow's  turn  came  next,  and  as  she  was  of  far  more  value  to 

me  than  the  ass,  I  confess  I  felt  very  anxious;   but  I  pushed  her 

in  gently,  and  with  equal  success.     The  two  casks  supported  her 

,  in  the  water,  and  she  commenced  swimming  with  the  sang-froid 

which  characterizes  her  species. 

I      We  managed  the  smaller  animals  easily,  excepting  the  sow, 

'  Just  as  the  baskets  in  which  little  children  ride  are  fastened  on  each  side 
of  donkeys  or  ponies  in  England. 

i  [67I 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

who  resisted  furiously;  and  when  at  last  she  was  forced  into  the 
water,  she  swam  so  quickly  away  from  the  boat  that  to  reach  the 
guiding  string  would  have  been  impossible,  so  we  were  obliged 
to  leave  her  to  her  fate. 

After  this  we  did  not  lose  a  moment,  but  detached  our  cables, 
jumped  into  our  boat,  and  were  very  soon  in  the  open  sea,  sur- 
rounded by  the  animals.  We  united  all  the  strings  and  fastened 
them  to  the  boat,  and  commenced  our  voyage  toward  the  shore 
with  a  favorable  wind,  which  filled  the  little  sail  and  carried  us 
forward  pleasantly.  In  fact,  we  found  the  assistance  of  the  wind 
of  great  service,  for  the  animals  weighed  heavily  upon  our 
little  skiiF;  and  without  the  sail,  rowing  would  have  been  hard 
work. 

All  went  on  so  favorably  that  Fritz  and  I  seated  ourselves  in 
the  tubs  and  took  some  refreshment. 

While  Fritz  amused  himself  with  his  monkey,  I  again  fixed  my 
telescope  on  the  shore  to  observe  my  family.  They  had  shown 
themselves  just  before  we  started  on  our  homeward  voyage,  but  I 
had  seen  no  trace  of  them  since. 

But  our  exertions  in  saving  the  poor  animals  from  the  wreck 
would  have  been  useless  if  the  sharp  eyes  of  Fritz  had  not  dis- 
covered in  time  a  threatened  danger. 

"Good  Heavens,"  he  exclaimed,  all  at  once,  "we  are  lost!  A 
monster  fish  is  coming  toward  us!" 

"Lost!     How?"  I  cried,  half  angry,  half  alarmed. 

But  as  Fritz  seized  his  gun  and  loaded  it,  I  saw  the  creature 
approaching  and  followed  his  example. 

"Be  ready  to  fire,"  I  said,  quickly,  as  the  monster  with  light- 
ning speed  drew  nearer,  as  if  about  to  seize  the  nearest  sheep. 
At  the  same  instant  Fritz,  who  is  a  good  marksman,  fired,  and 
both  balls  entered  the  head  of  the  creature,  which  immediately 
plunged  and  disappeared.  From  time  to  time  he  rose  to  the  sur- 
face at  a  greater  distance  from  us,  showing  the  shining  scales  on 
his  body,  while  a  long  track  of  blood  on  the  water  marked  his 

[68] 


\ 


ROBINSON 


ROBINSON 

course,  and  convinced  us  that  the  shot  had  taken  effect.  How- 
ever, I  looked  around  me  very  carefully  in  case  the  monster  should 
appear  again,  intending  this  time  to  give  him  a  double  dose. 

"He  has  had  enough  of  it,"  said  Fritz. 

"You  have  been  unusually  successful,  my  boy,"  I  replied,  "for 
these  animals  are  not  easily  frightened,  and  it  is  very  difficult  to 
v^ound  them  with  firearms.  From  what  I  could  see  of  it  the 
monster  is,  I  believe,  a  shark;  and  this  voracious  fish  will  return 
only  too  willingly  to  a  place  where  he  knows  that  prey  is  to  be 
found." 

After  this  Fritz  reloaded  his  gun  and  I  redoubled  my  watchful- 
ness, but  the  monster  thought  good  to  leave  us  at  peace.  I 
therefore  again  seized  the  rudder,  and  as  the  wind  blew  favor- 
ably toward  the  bay,  I  guided  our  little  ship  in  that  direction, 
and,  after  a  few  turnings  and  windings,  arrived  at  a  spot  whence 
the  animals  might  be  able  to  land  easily.  I  then  set  them 
free  from  the  ropes;  and  while  I  lowered  the  sail  they  scrambled 
on  to  the  beach,  and  presently  our  little  boat  lay  alongside  the 
old  landing-place. 

No  one  was  there  to  welcome  us,  which  made  me  feel  anxious, 
for  night  was  approaching,  and  I  knew  not  where  to  look  for 
them. 

But  we  had  scarcely  stepped  on  shore  and  relieved  the  animals 
from  the  ropes  that  bound  them  to  the  boat,  when  sounds  of  joy 
rang  in  our  ears,  and  presently  a  little  band  came  jumping  and 
dancing  toward  us,  followed  by  their  mother. 

After  the  first  transports  of  joy  at  this  happy  reunion  had 
passed  and  we  became  calm,  I  began  to  describe  some  of  our 
exploits  and  the  success  of  our  expedition.  But  to  my  wife  the 
greatest  wonder  appeared  to  be  that  we  had  managed  to  bring 
jthe  animals. 

"Fritz  suggested  the  plan  of  bringing  them  on  floats,"  I  said. 
"I  must  give  him  the  credit  of  that." 

"But  you  have  carried  it  out  famously,"  said  my  wife;  "and  I 

[71] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

must  thank  you  both,  for  you  have  saved  that  which  appears  to 
me  in  our  position  the  most  necessary  and  the  most  valuable." 
Presently  little  Frank  disturbed  our  conversation  by  crying  out: 
"What  a  pretty  little  red  flag  you  have  flying  at  the  top  of  the 
mast,  Fritz!     See  hov^  it  flutters  in  the  wind!" 

Before  Fritz  could  reply  Ernest  made  his  appearance.  He 
jumped  on  board  and  admired  the  mast,  the  sail,  and  the  little 
red  pennant,  and  anxiously  inquired  how  we  had  contrived  to 
make  it  so  cleverly. 

I  interrupted  the  conversation  by  saying  that  we  had  our  boat 
to  unload. 

This  was  not  the  kind  of  work  to  please  Jack,  so  he  made  his 
escape,  and  ran  to  see  the  cattle. 

Fritz  and  I  had  only  been  able  to  release  the  cow  from  the 
casks,  therefore  Jack  found  plenty  of  employment  in  taking  off" 
the  swimming-belts  from  the   sheep  and  the  goats.     Presently, 

however,  he  spied  the  donkey 
with  his  tub  panniers.  These 
he  tried  in  vain  to  remove;  and 
finding  it  beyond  his  power, 
he  jumped  upon  the  donkey's 
back  in  spite  of  the  casks, 
and  rode  to  meet  us  in  grand 
style,  forcing  the  animal  for- 
ward with  his  hands  and  heels. 
It  was  impossible  to  help 
laughing  at  the  singular  spec- 
tacle; but  as  I  lifted  the  little 
man  down  I  felt  still  more 
amused.  He  wore  a  belt  cov- 
ered with  hair,  in  which  was 
stuck  a  pair  of  small  pistols. 
"Where  on  earth  did  you  find  that  smuggler's  costume  V  I 
asked. 

1 7*1 


ROBINSON 

:  "I  made  it  myself,  papa,"  he  replied.  *' And  look  at  the  dogs." 
I  I  turned  at  the  words,  and  saw  to  my  surprise  that  each  of 
them  wore  a  collar  stuck  full  of  nails  with  the  points  outward,  and 
forming  an  excellent  shield  against  the  attacks  of  wild  beasts. 

"Well,"  I  said,  "this  is  a  clever  invention,  my  boy.  Is  it  all 
your  own  .^" 

"Yes,  papa,"  said  Jack.  "Mamma  only  helped  me  when 
there  was  something  to  sew." 

"  But  where  did  you  get  the  skin  and  the  needle  and  thread  ?" 

"I  brought  needles  and  thread  in  my  bag  from  the  ship,"  said 
his  mother;  "and  the  collars  are  made  of  the  jackal's  skin,  as 
well  as  Jack's  girdle." 

Fritz  felt  rather  annoyed  at  hearing  that  Jack  had  cut  up  the 
jackal's  skin,  but  he  concealed  his  displeasure  as  well  as  he 
could.  While  Jack  stood  near  him,  however,  he  exclaimed, 
suddenly: 

"Oh,  what  an  unpleasant  smell!     Where  does  it  come  from  .?" 

"Perhaps  it  is  my  belt,"  said  Jack.  "No  wonder  it  smells 
badly,  for  you  left  the  dead  animal  exposed  to  the  sun  to  corrupt. 
My  belt  will  lose  the  odor  when  the  skin  is  dry." 

"Ah,  well,"  I  said,  "till  it  is  dry  Jack  must  place  himself  to 
leeward." 

At  this  the  boys  laughed,  and  exclaimed,  "To  leeward.  Jack! 
to  leeward.  Jack!"  But  Jack  did  not  trouble  himself  about 
sensitive  noses.  He  strutted  up  and  down,  quite  proud  of  his 
girdle,  and  assumed  a  martial  air  which  was  most  amusing. 

At  last  I  said,  "Come,  my  boys,  throw  the  dead  jackal  into  the 
sea;   Jack's  girdle  will  lose  all  smell  when  it  is  dry." 

The  boys  readily  obeyed,  and  then  I  gave  them  another  object 
of  interest.  I  perceived  that  my  wife  was  making  preparations 
for  supper,  and  I  whispered  to  Fritz  to  fetch  one  of  the  Westphalia 
hams  which  still  lay  in  the  tubs.  I  saw  by  the  looks  of  the  boys 
that  they  longed  to  ask  questions;  but  as  Fritz  in  a  few  minutes 
returned,  there  was  a  general  cry: 

[73] 


T»E  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Oh,  what  a  treat!  A  ham,  mamma!  a  ham!  How  nice  it 
looks!" 

"Ah!"  exclaimed  my  wife,  "you  must  restrain  your  longing  till 
to-morrow;  it  will  be  so  much  nicer  when  it  is  cooked.  Besides, 
I  have  a  dozen  eggs  for  supper  which  we  found  on  our  travels 
to-day,  and  Ernest  thinks  they  are  the  eggs  of  a  turtle.  I  shall 
be  able  to  make  a  splendid  omelet,  for  we  have  plenty  of  butter, 
and  you  have  brought  a  frying-pan  from  the  ship." 

"I  am  sure  they  are  turtles'  eggs,"  said  Ernest;  "for  they  are 
like  a  white  ball,  and  soft  to  the  touch,  like  parchment;  besides, 
we  found  them  among  the  sand  on  the  sea-shore." 

"You  are  quite  right,  my  boy,"  I  said;  "but  how  did  you  dis- 
cover them .''" 

"Oh,"  said  his  mother,  "that  belongs  to  the  history  of  our 
day's  adventures,  which  you  shall  hear  at  another  time." 

"Very  well,"  I  said;  "cook  the  omelet,  and  while  we  are  a! 
supper  we  will  listen  to  an  account  of  your  day's  performances  as) 
our  dessert.  As  to  the  ham,  I  assure  you  it  is  very  good  even  raw,* 
as  Fritz  and  I  found  to-day  by  experience.  However,  I  believe  it 
will  be  much  better  when  cooked,  so  while  you  make  your  omelet 
and  fry  a  few  slices  of  the  ham  for  our  supper,  we  will  go  and  look 
after  the  animals." 

At  these  words  I  rose,  and  the  boys  all  followed  me  gladly. 
Jack  had  succeeded  in  setting  them  all  free,  excepting  the  sow, 
who  would  let  no  one  approach  her.  Ernest,  however,  called  the 
dogs,  and  they  quickly  checked  her  movements  by  seizing  her  ears 
and  holding  her,  while  we  removed  the  swimming-girdle;  then  we 
fetched  a  few  knives,  forks,  spoons,  and  plates  from  the  boat  and 
returned  to  the  tent. 

Our  repast  proved  delicious.  Fried  ham,  cheese,  biscuits,  and 
a  good  omelet  formed  a  splendid  feast,  and  there  was  plenty  to 
spare  for  the  dogs,  the  sheep  and  goats,  the  chickens  and  pigeons, 
who  quickly  assembled  near  us  to  gather  up  what  remained. 

As  to  the  ducks  and  geese,  although  they  were  close  at  hand, 

[74] 


ROBINSON 

they  did  not  favor  us  with  their  society;  they  preferred  the  dehghts 
of  their  own  native  element  at  a  Httle  distance,  in  which  they  could 
enjoy  themselves,  and  where  they  found  a  dehcate  feast  in  tiny 
fresh-water  crabs  and  worms. 

After  supper  I  sent  Fritz  to  the  boat  for  a  bottle  of  Canary  wine, 
from  the  case  we  had  found  in  the  captain's  cabin;  and  then  I 
asked  my  wife  to  relate  the  adventures  and  discoveries  made  by 
herself  and  the  boys  during  the  day.  So  interesting  was  the  narra- 
tive, that  no  one  seemed  to  care  for  the  wine,  until  a  pause  oc- 
curred in  the  conversation. 

The  narrative  will  appear  in  the  next  chapter. 


TSS  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  VII 

ANOTHER    EXPLORING    EXPEDITION 

OW,"  said  my  wife,  "  I  think  you  will  be  pleased 
'{'ti  to  hear  my  adventures.  I  have  been  ready  to  re- 
late them  all  the  evening,  but  to  get  in  a  word  in 
the  midst  of  your  wonderful  descriptions  was  im- 
possible. However,  there  is  an  old  proverb  that 
says,  'The  longer  the  water  is  gathering,  the  fuller  it  will  flow,' 
and,  'Better  late  than  never.'  i 

"I  need  not  say  much  about  the  occurrences  of  the  first  day  of 
your  absence,  for,  in  truth,  I  was  too  uneasy  to  commence  any 
undertaking  with  the  boys  or  to  leave  our  landing-place. 

"This  morning,  however,  I  was  on  the  beach  early,  and  noticed 
your  signal  that  all  was  safe,  with  great  joy  and  a  thankful  heart, 
and  after  replying  to  it  I  sought  for  a  shady  place  that  I  might 
sit  alone  and  reflect  before  calling  the  boys. 

"  I  found  a  quiet  spot  near  our  tent,  and,  sitting  down,  began 
to  think  earnestly  of  our  position.  It  is  impossible,  I  said  to  my- 
self, that  we  can  remain  on  this  part  of  the  island,  even  in  our 
tent,  exposed  during  the  day  to  the  burning  heat  of  the  sun;  for 
his  rays  through  the  sail-cloth  which  covers  it  are  doubly  op- 
pressive. 

"All  at  once  I  thought.  While  my  husband  and  son  are  working 
on  the  ship,  cannot  I  and  the  boys  try  and  explore  the  country  1 
We  should  gain  courage  and  strength,  and  perhaps  find  a  more 
pleasant  and  shady  spot  on  which  to  dwell,  than  this  exposed  and 
rocky  coast.  I  recalled  your  description  of  the  beautiful  fields 
and  meadows  through  which  you  had  passed,  and  thought  we 

[76] 


ROBINSON 

could  find  the  way  by  crossing  the  brook  at  the  falls,  as  you  had 
done. 

"Having  decided  on  this  undertaking,  I  returned  to  the  tent, 
and  found  the  boys  had  risen,  and  Jack  busy  with  the  skin  of 
Fritz's  jackal.  He  had  cut  several  strips  of  it,  about  a  hand's 
breadth  long,  and  from  this  he  was  scraping  the  flesh.  I  advised 
him  to  put  it  aside  till  after  breakfast,  which  he  willingly  did,  after 
nailing  it  to  a  tree  to  dry. 

"After  breakfast  he  again  set  to  work  diligently.  On  the 
stretched  strips  of  skin  he  placed  pieces  of  sail-cloth,  cut  to  the 
same  size,  and  of  triple  thickness.  These  it  was  necessary  to  sew, 
and  he  therefore  came  to  me  with  a  request  that  I  would  sew  the 
skins  and  the  sail-cloth  together  for  him.  I  thanked  him  for  the 
honor  he  proposed,  but  when  he  tried  to  do  it  himself  I  took 
compassion  on  him  and  consented  to  perform  the  task,  which,  as 
you  may  suppose,  was  not  at  all  agreeable.  This  done,  he  ob- 
tained a  sufficient  number  of  nails,  which  he  drove  through  with 
the  points  outward,  and  thus  completed  spiked  collars  for  the 
two  dogs.  But  he  was  still  unsatisfied;  he  required,  he  said,  a 
belt  for  himself,  to  hold  two  pistols,  but  I  reminded  him  that  the 
heat  of  the  sun  would  dry  the  skin  and  cause  it  to  shrink,  making 
it  altogether  useless. 

"Ernest,  half  in  mockery,  advised  him  to  nail  the  belt  and 
collars  on  a  board,  and  expose  them  to  the  sun.  Jack  took  the 
advice  in  good  part,  and,  without  deigning  to  notice  the  mocking 
tone,  nailed  the  articles  to  a  board,  as  his  brother  suggested. 

"Then  I  told  the  boys  of  my  proposed  expedition,  and  they 
all  joyfully  agreed  to  accompany  me.  Without  delay  we  prepared 
for  our  journey.  The  boys  collected  and  prepared  their  guns, 
and  provided  themselves  with  ammunition,  a  cutlass,  and  an  axe. 
I  carried  the  provisions  and  water-flasks,  as  well  as  a  light  gun, 
which  I  took  from  Ernest,  giving  him  instead  a  fowling-piece  that 
could  be  loaded  with  ball.  Thus  armed,  we  started  on  our  jour- 
ney, accompanied  by  the  two  dogs,  and  hopeful  of  success.  Turk, 

[  11  ] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

who  had  been  with  you,  appeared  to  consider  himself  our  guide, 
and  marched  on  before  us  as  if  to  lead  the  way,  and  in  a  very 
short  time  we  reached  the  spot  at  which  you  crossed  the  brook, 
and  succeeded,  though  not  without  trouble,  in  reaching  the 
opposite  bank, 

"As  we  proceeded,  I  could  not  help  reflecting  that  our  safety 
rested  in  a  great  measure  on  two  young  boys,  because  they  under- 
stood the  use  of  firearms;  and  I  felt  thankful,  dear  husband,  that 
you  had  allowed  your  sons  to  be  accustomed  to  these  weapons 
from  childhood. 

"After  filling  our  water-bottles  with  water  from  the  river,  we 
continued  our  march,  and  presently  came  upon  a  most  beautiful 
and  fertile  spot.  The  prospect  on  every  side  was  glorious,  and  I 
felt  my  heart  open  with  hopeful  delight.  At  a  distance  I  could 
discern  what  appeared  to  be  a  little  wood,  to  which  the  way  seemed 
easy  and  straight  before  us;  but  we  presently  found  ourselves  in 
the  midst  of  tall  grass,  as  high  as  the  boys'  heads,  through  which 
it  was  impossible  to  pass.  By  turning  to  the  left,  near  the  river- 
bank,  we  managed  to  avoid  it,  and  were  able  to  proceed  without 
further  obstacle.  Here  we  recognized  your  footmarks,  and  fol- 
lowed them  gladly  till  we  reached  the  little  wood  and  came 
again  upon  the  high  grass,  which  obliged  us  to  turn  to  the  right. 

"Suddenly  a  strange  noise  frightened  us  all,  and  in  a  moment 
a  large  bird  rose  from  the  grass  at  a  little  distance,  and  flew  over 
our  heads.  The  boys  hastily  raised  their  guns,  but  before  they 
could  fire  the  bird  was  far  away. 

"*Oh,  what  a  pity!'  cried  Ernest;  'if  I  had  only  had  my  light 
gun,  or  if  the  bird  had  not  flown  so  quickly,  I  would  soon  have 
had  him  down.' 

"'Ah,  yes,'  I  said;  *but  a  good  marksman  is  always  ready  at 
a  moment's  warning.' 

"'What  bird  was  it,  I  wonder .?'  said  Jack. 

"'An  eagle,  I  think,'  replied  little  Frank;    'it  was  so  large.' 

"'As  if  all  large  birds  were  eagles!'  remarked  Ernest;   'but  we 

[78]  f 


I 


I 


ROBINSON 


SPIKED     COLLARS 
FOR     THE     DOGS 


ROBINSON 

may  as  well  examine  the  place  from  which  the  bird  rose,  and 
discover  what  he  was  doing  there.' 

"Jack  ran  quickly  to  the  spot,  when  suddenly  another  and 
larger  bird  rose,  with  rustling  wings,  almost  in  his  face,  startling 
the  boy  with  its  unexpected  appearance.  He  looked  so  complete- 
ly struck  dumb  that  I  could  not  help  laughing.  However,  he 
quickly  recovered  himself,  and  we  all  went  together  to  the  place. 
Here  we  found  a  kind  of  large  nest,  made  apparently  of  thick,  dry 
grass;  it  was  empty,  excepting  a  few  broken  egg-shells,  from 
which,  no  doubt,  the  young  birds  had  not  long  before  escaped, 
and  from  the  agitation  of  the  grass  I  had  every  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  the  brood  were  close  at  hand.  But  it  would  have 
been  impossible  to  follow  them,  for  the  movements  soon  ceased 
altogether. 

"'Look  here,  Frank,'  said  Ernest,  'these  birds  cannot  be  eagles, 
for  they  never  build  nests  on  the  ground,  but  on  high  rocks;  be- 
sides, their  little  ones  cannot  run  as  soon  as  they  are  hatched,  as 
chickens  can.  I  noticed,  too,  that  they  had  white  breasts,  and 
red-tipped  wings,  and  feathers  round  the  beak,  so  I  think  they 
must  be  bustards,  for  that  is  the  description  I  have  read  of  the 
bustard.' 

"*I  am  glad  we  did  not  shoot  the  birds,  after  all,'  I  said;  'for 
what  would  the  poor  little  ones  have  done  without  their  parents  ?' 

"While  talking,  we  reached  the  grove  of  trees  to  which  we  had 
directed  our  steps.  A  crowd  of  unknown  birds  seemed  to  welcome 
us  with  their  song,  or  flew  round  us  gayly.  The  boys  followed 
them  with  their  eyes  eagerly,  and  seemed  inclined  to  point  their 
guns,  but  I  prevented  them  from  doing  so. 

"'You  should  never  destroy  God's  creatures,'  I  said,  'except- 
ing for  food,  and  then  not  cruelly;  besides,  it  would  be  foolish 
to  waste  powder  and  shot,  as  well  as  a  pity  to  kill  these  pretty 
little  songsters.' 

"But  what  wonderful  trees  they  were  in  this  grove!  I  have 
never  in  my  life  seen  such  tall  trees,  and,  far  from  being  a  wood, 

[  8i  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

as  I  supposed,  there  were  scarcely  more  than  a  dozen  trees,  but 
so  leafy  at  their  summits  that  at  a  distance  they  appeared  like  a 
forest. 

"What  astonished  me,  also,  was  that  the  trunks  seemed  to  be 
supported  by  a  kind  of  buttress.  Enormous  roots  appeared  to 
have  driven  the  thick  stem  out  of  the  earth  and  raised  it  to  the 
skies.  However,  it  was  firmly  fixed  in  the  ground,  and  where 
the  roots  left  it  the  thickness  was  immense. 

"Jack  climbed  up  one  of  the  outer  roots  and  measured  the 
stem  with  a  piece  of  string.     Its  circumference  was  about  eighteen 

feet;  the  height  of 
the  tree,  from  the 
ground  to  the  sum- 
mit, might  be  about 
sixty  yards.  The 
leaves  were  large 
and  full,  and  the 
spreading  branches 
formed  a  delightful 
shade. 

"  The  form  of  the 
leaf  was  like  that 
of  our  nut-trees, 
but  I  could  discover  no  fruit.  The  grass  growing  round  the  roots 
is  thick  and  green,  and  there  are  no  signs  of  thorns  or  under- 
wood, so  that  altogether  this  grove  of  trees  forms  a  delightful 
resting-place.  So  much  did  it  please  us,  that  we  determined  to 
stay  there  in  the  cool  shade,  and  rest  in  this  palace  of  the  green- 
wood, while  we  enjoyed  our  midday  meal. 

"The  dogs,  which  we  had  left  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  soon 
found  us  out,  and,  to  my  astonishment,  did  not  appear  hungry, 
but  laid  themselves  down  quietly  at  our  feet  and  were  soon  fast 
asleep. 

"I  could  not  contemplate  the  richness  and  beauty  of  this  lovely 

[82j 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O  N 

spot  without  the  idea  arising  in  my  mind  that  if  we  were  able  to 
establish  ourselves  on  one  of  these  trees  we  should  be  in  perfect 
safety.  I  had  carefully  examined  the  various  scenes  through 
which  we  passed,  but  I  could  discover  none  so  agreeable  as  this. 
I  resolved,  therefore,  to  return  to  the  tent  and,  if  the  time  per- 
mitted, collect  some  more  of  the  debris  which  the  waves  had  cast 
on  shore  from  the  wreck. 

"On  our  way  home  I  discovered  by  what  means  the  hunger 
of  the  dogs  had  been  appeased;  they  were  catching  crabs  in  the 
shallow  water  near  the  shore,  and  separating  the  shells  with  their 
paws,  while  they  eagerly  devoured  their  contents. 

"Presently,  after  turning  from  the  river-bank,  we  saw  Floss 
scratching  out  from  the  sand  something  round,  and  swallowing  it 
with  avidity.  Ernest,  who  was  nearer  to  the  dog,  guessed  what 
it  was  in  a  moment. 

"'It  is  the  egg  of  a  turtle,'  he  exclaimed;  'and  I  dare  say  there 
are  more.' 

"'Let  us  save  what  we  can,'  I  cried,  as  we  all  ran  to  the  spot; 
*it  will  make  a  splendid  supper  for  us.' 

[  "It  cost  some  trouble,  however,  to  drive  away  the  animal  from 
her  prey,  but  we  succeeded  at  last  in  rescuing  a  dozen  eggs,  which 
we  placed  carefully  in  our  provision-bag. 

"At  this  moment  I  glanced  toward  the  sea,  and  saw,  to  my 
astonishment,  a  little  boat  with  a  sail  rapidly  approaching  the 
shore.  I  hardly  knew  what  to  think,  although  Ernest  said  it  was 
his  father  and  Fritz  in  the  boat. 

"Frank  was  afraid  it  would  contain  savages,  who  might  land 
and  eat  us  up.  At  last  I  perceived  that  Ernest  was  right,  and 
then  we  all  turned  to  run  round  the  rocks  hastily,  and  soon  found 
ourselves  in  one  another's  arms. 

"You  have  now  had  a  complete  description  of  our  day's  ad- 
ventures," continued  my  wife;  "and  all  I  can  say  is  that  a 
dwelling  in  one  of  these  trees  would  not  only  be  delightful,  but  a 
place  of  safety  from  the  attacks  of  wild  beasts,  and  I  hope  that 

[83] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

to-morrow  morning  you  will  go  with  us  to  examine  the  wonder- 
ful trees." 

While  listening  to  this  recital  night  came  on,  and  it  was  time 
for  us  to  seek  repose  in  sleep  after  the  fatigues  of  the  day. 

We  arranged  ourselves  once  more  in  our  places  as  usual,  but 
with  much  greater  comfort,  upon  the  mattresses  and  under  the 
soft  woollen  coverlets  I  had  brought  from  the  wreck. 


1 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  VIII 


BRIDGE-BUILDING 

liXT  morning  my  wife  and  I  rose  early,  that  we 
might  talk  over  the  changes  she  appeared  so  anxious 
to  make  before  the  children  were  up. 

In  fact,  I  hesitated  to  decide,  for  to  make  a  dwell- 
ing upon  a  high  tree  in  a  grove  seemed  impossible. 

"If  we  were  cocks  and  hens,  now,"  I  said,  "and  could  fly  up 
and  roost  on  the  branches,  the  case  would  be  different." 

"Oh,  do  not  make  a  jest  of  it,"  she  replied;  "there  is  nothing 
absurd  in  my  idea.  At  all  events,  now  we  are  not  safe  at  night 
from  the  visits  of  jackals  or  other  similar  customers;  and  I  know 
that  in  our  fatherland  I  once  saw  a  linden-tree  on  which  persons 
could  ascend  by  a  staircase  to  a  pretty  little  bower  with  a  suitable 
floor  between  the  branches.  Why  could  not  we  have  something  ©f 
the  same  sort,  and  make  a  sleeping-place  in  the  trees  of  the  grove  .?" 

I  did  not  answer  my  dear  wife  for  some  minutes,  for  her  sug- 
gestions made  me  reflect.     At  last  I  said: 

"  I  begin  to  think  you  are  right,  dear  wife,  for  it  seems  to  me 
that  you  have  been  conducted  by  Providence  to  the  most  con- 
venient spot  on  this  island,  as  much  for  our  safety  as  for  the 
means  of  obtaining  food.  For  if  all  that  now  remains  on  the 
wreck  should  be  lost  by  the  destruction  of  the  vessel,  we  might  at 
least  have  a  convenient  place  to  reside  in,  and  fertile  ground  to 
cultivate.  The  rocks  which  surround  it  will  serve  as  a  protection. 
But  let  us  have  patience,  and  stay  in  our  present  position,  at  least 
till  we  have  brought  from  the  wreck  all  the  useful  things  we  can." 

"I  do  not  think  it  is  necessary  to  wait  for  that,"  said  my  wife; 

[85] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

"we  have  already  more  than  we  want  for  the  present,  and  you  do 
not  know  what  we  suffer  here  from  the  heat  of  the  sun  while  you 
are  on  the  sea.  Set  aside  your  voyage  for  to-day,  and  let  us  go 
together  to  this  shady  grove,  where  the  rich  fruits  of  the  earth  and 
the  beauties  of  nature  are  ready  to  our  hands." 

**Your  earnestness  makes  you  eloquent,  dear  wife,"  I  said, 
"and  your  reasoning  convinces  me;  but  you  forget  that  we  can- 
not take  our  cattle  and  our  other  possessions  to  the  opposite  shore 
without  building  a  bridge." 

"Then  we  must  wait  forever,"  she  replied,  "  if  we  wait  for  that. 
I  thought  it  would  be  easy  for  the  ass  and  the  cow  to  carry  what 
we  most  needed  across  the  river,  and  bring  the  other  things  by 
degrees." 

"We  should  have  to  do  this  even  with  a  bridge,"  I  remarked; 
"and  besides,  the  river  might  overflow  its  banks  and  render  a 
passage  by  any  other  means  impossible.  I  and  the  boys,  however,  |, 
will  commence  at  once  to  construct  a  wooden  bridge  across  the 
narrowest  part,  if  you  will  prepare  bags  and  packing-cases  for  our 
expedition." 

"I  must  entreat  you  to  leave  the  gunpowder  behind  in  the 
rocks,"  she  remarked.  "I  always  tremble  when  I  think  of  the 
large  quantity  we  have  so  near  us." 

"Certainly,"  I  replied.  "Gunpowder  is  like  fire,  a  good  friend 
when  used  with  caution,  but  a  fearful  enemy  to  those  who  are 
careless.  After  we  are  settled  in  our  new  home  I  will  blow  up  a 
portion  of  the  rock,  and  bury  the  powder  in  the  earth  so  carefully 
that  not  even  a  cat  could  scratch  it  Up.  And  now  all  is  arranged, 
let  us  call  the  children." 

The  boys  were  quickly  aroused,  and  on  hearing  the  plan  of 
bridge-building  were  full  of  eager  delight,  and  the  idea  of  re- 
moving to  the  pleasant  region  of  the  grove  made  the  younger  ones 
jump  and  dance  for  joy,  and  name  it  at  once  their  new  home. 

After  our  morning  prayer  we  began  to  think  of  breakfast,  and, 
while  his  mother  prepared  it,  Fritz  took  the  little  monkey  to  the 

[86] 


ROBINSON 

goat  for  his  morning  feast.  Jack  slipped  away  to  the  cow,  and 
tried  to  milk  her  into  his  hat,  but  as  he  could  not  succeed  he  laid 
himself  under  her,  and  she  allowed  him  to  draw  from  her  a  splen- 
did draught  of  warm,  fresh  milk,  as  if  he  had  been  a  young  calf. 

At  last  he  paused  to  take  breath,  and  exclaimed: 

"Frank,  come,  the  milk  is  beautiful.     Will  you  have  some.?" 

These  words  attracted  our  attention  to  him,  and  his  brothers 
laughed  heartily  at  his  scheme;  but  his  mother  reproved  him 
seriously  for  being  greedy  and  not  waiting  till  the  cow  was  milked. 
She  then  took  a  vessel  and  commenced  milking  the  cow,  and  as 
Jack  saw  how  cleverly  she  succeeded  he  said: 

"Ah,  if  I  had  only  known  how  to  do  it  like  that,  for  I  did  feel 
ashamed  of  lying  down  like  the  monkey;  but  I  mean  to  learn  by 
and  by,  and  then  I  can  help  mamma." 

When  the  cow  was  milked  the  mother  gave  a  cupful  to  each 
of  the  children,  and  poured  a  part  of  what  remained  into  a  sauce- 
pan, with  some  of  the  hard  biscuits,  to  make  milk  soup  for  our 
breakfast.  The  rest  she  placed  on  one  side,  in  a  tin  can,  to  pre- 
serve it  for  cream. 

Meanwhile  I  prepared  our  boat  for  a  voyage  to  the  ship,  being 
anxious  to  obtain  as  many  planks  and  beams  as  possible  for  build- 
ing the  bridge.  After  breakfast  I  went  on  board  with  Fritz  and 
Ernest,  for  as  it  was  necessary  to  accomplish  our  task  quickly, 
double  help  was  needed. 

The  boys  exerted  all  their  strength  in  rowing,  that  we  might 
reach  the  swift  current,  which  had  already  carried  us  on  our 
former  trip  so  rapidly  out  into  the  bay.  Scarcely,  however,  had 
we  arrived  at  the  little  island  that  lay  at  the  entrance,  when  I 
noticed  a  flock  of  sea-gulls  and  other  birds  flying  here  and  there 
over  a  spot  hidden  by  a  heap  of  sand,  and  uttering  cries  and 
noises  so  hideous  that  we  were  almost  deafened. 

Fritz  would  have  fired  among  them  had  I  not  prevented  him. 
I  was  anxious  to  discover  the  cause  of  such  a  great  assembly  of 
birds.     I  therefore  directed  our  boat  toward  the  sea,  that  we 

[87I 


1 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

might  take  the  current,  and  hoisted  the  sail  to  catch  the  sea-breeze 
at  the  same  time,  while  Fritz  rowed  on  quickly. 

Ernest  was  charmed  with  our  little  sail,  and  the  pennant  that  , 
waved  from  the  top  of  the  mast;  but  Fritz,  whose  eyes  were  fixed 
on  the  island,  suddenly  exclaimed: 

"  Papa,  I  believe  that  those  birds  are  feasting  upon  a  large  fish 
and  have  not  had  the  politeness  to  invite  us." 

I  approached  nearer  to  the  shore  and  saw  that  he  was  right, 
and  presently,  mooring  our  boat  in  shallow  water  by  means  of  an 
enormous  stone,  I  jumped  on  shore,  followed  by  the  boys. 

There  we  discovered,  extended  partly  in  the  water  and  partly 
on  the  sand,  the  dead  body  of  a  monster  fish,  on  which  the  birds 
were  regaling  themselves  so  eagerly  that  they  did  not  notice  our 
approach  until  we  were  within  gunshot  of  them,  and  even  then 
only  a  few  took  to  flight.  j 

I  felt  astonished  at  the  voracious  appetites  of  the  feathered 
flock,  as  well  as  at  their  indifi^erence,  for  so  greedy  were  they  that 
if  we  had  wished  for  a  slice  from  the  carcass  ourselves  we  could 
easily  have  destroyed  the  intruders  even  with  a  stick. 

"Oh,"  exclaimed  Fritz,  "how  could  such  an  enormous  body 
get  here .?  Who  could  have  dragged  it  to  shore .?  Yesterday 
there  was  no  sign  of  such  a  creature  to  be  seen!" 

"Why,  Fritz,"  cried  Ernest,  "I  am  sure  this  must  be  the  shark 
you  settled  so  bravely  yesterday!  See,  he  has  three  great  holes  in 
his  head." 

"I  believe  it  is,  Ernest,  for  my  gun  was  loaded  with  three 
bullets." 

I  readily  confirmed  their  suspicions  as  I  pointed  out  the  gi- 
gantic size  of  the  frightful  throat  and  jaws  from  which  we  had 
mercifully  escaped. 

"Why,  the  creature  must  be  twenty  feet  long  at  least,"  I  added. 
"We  must  have  a  piece  of  the  skin,  which  I  think  can  be  made 
useful;  but  first  let  us  get  rid  of  these  greedy  birds." 

Ernest  immediately  drew  out  the  ramrod  of  his  gun  and  struck 

[SS] 


ROBINSON 


ERNEST  STRUCK   AT  THEM 


I 


f 


ROBIN  SO  N 

at  them  right  and  left,  and  some  were  so  voracious  that  they  re- 
mained on  the  prey  and  were  knocked  down  and  killed,  while 
feasting,  by  Ernest.  The  rest  flew  away,  leaving  a  space  from 
which  Fritz  could  cut  a  few  strips  of  shark's  skin,  as  Jack  had 
done  with  the  jackal.  Then  we  returned  to  the  boat  with  our 
booty. 

On  reaching  the  shore  I  saw  with  joy  that  a  number  of  planks 
and  beams  had  been  loosened  from  the  wreck  and  cast  on  the 
sands  by  the  waves,  which  would  spare  me  the  trouble  I  antici- 
pated of  seeking  them  on  the  vessel.  I  immediately  determined 
to  choose  those  most  suitable  for  building  our  bridge,  haul  them 
in  by  means  of  a  boat-hook,  and  attach  them  to  our  little  skiff 
in  the  form  of  a  float  by  ropes. 

We  again  put  to  sea  with  our  floating  cargo,  and  with  the  wind 
in  our  favor. 

I  While  steering  carefully  homeward,  however,  I  advised  Fritz  to 
nail  the  strips  of  the  shark's  skin  to  the  mast  in  the  sun  to  dry. 
He  readily  obeyed,  while  Ernest,  after  examining  the  birds  he 

.had  killed  with  his  ramrod,  exclaimed: 

I  "  Papa,  what  can  we  do  with  these  birds  .?  Are  they  good  to 
eat?" 

"Not  very,  my  child;  sea-gulls  are  birds  that  live  chiefly  on  the 
flesh  of  dead  fish,  and  they  have  in  consequence  a  fishy  taste 
v/hen  cooked.  There  are  several  species  of  these  birds,  and  some 
of  them  are  so  voracious  that  in  the  whale-fisheries  flocks  of  them 
will  settle  on  pieces  cut  from  the  whale  with  such  avidity  that  they 
will  allow  themselves  to  be  killed  rather  than  quit  their  prey." 

"No  wonder  I  killed  them  so  easily  just  now  with  my  ramrod," 
replied  Ernest,  "if  they  are  so  greedy  and  stupid." 

j,  "Papa,"  exclaimed  Fritz,  interrupting  his  brother,  "why  did 
you  tell  me  to  nail  the  shark's  skin  on  the  mast .?  It  will  dry  quite 
curved." 

"Perhaps  it  may,  Fritz,"  I  replied;  "but  unless  it  is  rendered 
hard  by  drying  we  cannot  make  it  useful,  and  being  curved  will 

[9'] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

not  matter,  for  it  will  be  as  useful  as  if  it  were  flat.  When  the 
rough  points  are  ground  off,  and  the  skin  smoothed  and  polished, 
it  forms  a  beautiful  material  called  shagreen." 

"I  thought,"  said  Ernest,  "that  shagreen  was  made  of  ass's 
skin." 

"Yes,  Ernest,  you  are  right.  In  Turkey,  Persia,  and  Tartary, 
the  best  shagreen  is  made  from  the  skins  of  the  wild  ass.  It  is 
harder  and  thicker  than  that  of  the  shark,  but  they  soften  and 
polish  it  by  several  processes,  which  gives  it  a  beautiful  surface,  \ 
and  the  color  is  a  bright  green." 

We  were  now  approaching  the  shore;  I  lowered  the  sail,  and  ' 
presently  we  lay  alongside  the  old  spot,  having  returned  in  less  ' 
than  four  hours  from  the  time  we  started.  We  were  not  expected, 
therefore  none  of  our  dear  ones  were  there  to  welcome  us,  and 
this  time  I  was  not  alarmed  at  their  absence.  However,  we 
raised  our  voices  loudly  in  chorus,  and  the  sound  was  echoed  back 
from  the  rocks  in  every  direction.  Very  soon  the  mother  and  her 
two  boys  came  running  toward  us  in  surprise  at  our  speedy  re- 
turn. They  each  carried  a  large  and  well-filled  pocket-handker- 
chief, and  Frank  dragged  after  him  a  fishing-net  attached  to  a 
long  wooden  rod. 

When  they  reached  us  many  questions  were  asked  in  wonder  : 
at  our  returning  so  soon;  but  Jack,  who  could  not  restrain  him- 
self, interrupted  these  inquiries  by  opening  his  handkerchief  and 
allowing  to  fall  on  the  ground  before  our  eyes  a  number  of  mag- 
nificent fresh-water  crabs. 

The  mother  and  Frank  followed  his  example,  and  there  they  lay 
in  a  sprawling  heap.  Finding  themselves  free,  however,  they 
waddled  away  right  and  left,  with  all  their  might,  and  the  boys 
had  enough  to  do  to  prevent  them  from  escaping;  but  the  leap- 
ing, stooping,  and  laughing  created  a  merry  outbreak  of  fun  be- 
yond description. 

"Oh,  papa,"  exclaimed  Jack,  "are  we  not  rich  ?  There  were 
such  a  frightful  lot,  more  than  a  thousand,  I  think,  and  we  have 

[92] 


ROBINSON 

caught  at  least  two  hundred.  Are  they  not  large  ?  And  what 
claws  they  have!" 

"But  who  discovered  them?"  I  asked.  "Jack,  I  suppose  it 
was  you  ?" 

"No,  papa,  it  was  our  little  Frank  that  performed  this  exploit. 
I  will  tell  you  how  it  happened.  While  mamma  was  sewing,  I 
took  the  little  monkey  on  my  shoulder  and  went  with  Frank  to 
the  river  to  try  if  I  could  find  a  good  place  for  our  bridge.  Frank 
amused  himself  by  picking  up  pebbles  and  throwing  them  into 
the  water,  but  every  now  and  then  he  would  run  to  show  me  some 
more  prettily  marked  than  others.  All  at  once  he  came  rushing 
back,  exclaiming,  'Jack!  Jack!  come  and  see,  there  is  such  a 
swarm  of  crabs  sticking  to  Fritz's  jackal!'  I  followed  him  to  the 
water,  and  there  I  saw  the  dead  jackal  lying  in  a  shallow  spot, 
and  a  whole  legion  of  magnificent  crabs  feasting  upon  it.  I  ran 
to  tell  mamma,  and  she  brought  a  fishing-net,  but  we  took  as 
many  in  our  hands  as  by  the  net,  without  any  difficulty,  and  if 
you  had  not  called  us  we  could  have  taken  many  more." 

"There  are  quite  enough.  Jack,"  I  replied,  "not  only  to  make 
a  delicious  supper,  even  if  you  throw  the  little  ones  back  into  the 
water,  which  I  should  advise  you  to  do,  but  also  to  provide  us 
with  an  unexpected  store  sufficient  for  several  suppers.  Let  us 
thank  God  that  He  has  not  only  given  us  what  is  necessary,  but 
enough  and  to  spare." 

After  relating  our  own  adventures,  Ernest  showed  his  mother 
the  sea-gulls,  and  she  proposed  to  prepare  the  midday  meal, 
while  I  and  the  elder  boys  went  to  the  shore  to  bring  away  the 
floating  planks  and  beams.  It  proved  a  difficult  task,  for  our 
united  strength  was  far  from  sufficient  to  draw  these  heavy  beams 
even  out  of  the  water. 

I  had  given  up  all  idea  of  making  the  ass  or  the  cow  help  us, 
when  I  suddenly  remembered  the  plan  adopted  by  the  Laplanders 
with  the  reindeer  who  draw  the  sledges,  and  I  was  determined  to 
tT}'  it.     I  placed  a  cord  round  the  horns  of  the  cow  and  the  neck 

[93] 


,n 


n 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

of  the  ass,  and  then  passed  it  between  their  legs  and  fastened  the 
end  to  a  beam  firmly.     In  this  way  we  not  only  brought  piece  after 
piece  on  shore,  but  were  able  also  to  drag  them  to  the  spot  chosen 
by  our  little  engineer  as  the  most  suitable  for  the  bridge,  and,  | 
indeed,  so  it  appeared.  i 

The  opposite  banks  approached  each  other  closely,  they  were 
firm  and  of  equal  height,  and  the  trunks  of  old  trees  which  stood  , 
on  each  bank  promised  to  form  an  excellent  support  on  which  to  \\ 
rest  the  foundation  of  the  bridge. 

While  examining  the  spot,  a  question  suggested  itself. 

*'  Boys,"  I  said,  "suppose  our  beams  should  not  be  long  enough 
to  reach  to  the  other  side — the  eye  cannot  measure  the  distance   | 
exactly,  and  we  have  no  mathematical  instruments — what  shall  we 

do  r 

"Mamma  has  some  packthread,"  said  Ernest.    "Could  we  not 
tie  a  stone  to  one  end  and  throw  it  across  the  river  ^    We  could   | 
easily  measure  the  string  when  we  drew  it  back,  and  that  would   j 
give  us  the  exact  width  across." 

"An  excellent  idea,  Ernest,"  I  replied.  "Run,  Jack,  and  fetch 
the  packthread." 

Jack  quickly  returned,  and,  by  the  contrivance  suggested  by   | 
Ernest,  we  soon  discovered  that  the  distance  from  one  side  of  the 
river  to  the  other  was  eighteen  feet. 

It  appeared,  therefore,  quite  necessary  that  the  beams  should 
have  three  additional  feet  resting  on  each  shore,  and  this  would 
require  the  under  one,  at  least,  to  measure  twenty-four  feet.  Hap- 
pily, we  found  more  than  one  which  exceeded  this  length  and  fully 
answered  our  expectations. 

There  remained  now  one  only  difficulty  to  overcome.  The 
question  arose.  How  could  we  throw  such  long  and  heavy  pieces 
of  wood  across  the  water .? 

While  considering  the  subject  the  dinner-hour  arrived,  and,  find- 
ing nothing  more  could  be  done,  we  returned  to  the  tent. 

Our  good  housekeeper  had  prepared  for  us  a  dish  of  crabs, 

[94] 


ROBINSON 

which  was  very  tempting.  But  before  we  commenced  dinner  she 
wished  to  show  me  the  needlework  which  had  employed  her  the 
whole   morning. 

She  produced  two  immense  bags,  which  she  had  made  out  of  a 
piece  of  sail-cloth  and  sewn  with  packthread. 

"I  had  no  needle  large  enough  to  hold  the  thread,"  said  the 
mother,  "so  I  contrived  to  sew  with  a  nail,  and  by  patience  and 
perseverance  I  have  finished  these  travelling-bags.  They  will  hang 
across  the  donkey's  back  like  panniers,  and  contain  a  great  quan- 
tity of  articles,  when  we  change  our  home." 

I  expressed  my  pleasure,  and  praised  my  dear  wife  for  her  in- 
genuity, and  then  we  all  seated  ourselves  to  partake  of  the  dinner 
she  had  prepared  for  us. 

It  was  passed  over  as  quickly  as  usual,  for  we  had  no  time  to 
lose,  and  then  I  and  the  boys  returned  to  work.  As  we  approach- 
ed the  spot  a  plan  suggested  itself  which  got  us  out  of  all  our 
difficulties. 

I  first  placed  a  beam  behind  the  trunk  of  a  tree,  to  which  I 
fastened  it  at  about  four  or  five  feet  above  the  ground  with  a  strong 
cord;  to  the  other  end  of  the  cord  I  tied  a  stone,  and,  throwing  it 
across  the  river,  I  waded  through  the  water  after  it.  To  a  tree  on 
the  opposite  bank  I  adjusted  a  pulley,  over  which  I  threw  the  cord, 
and  returned  with  the  end  in  my  hand. 

To  this  extreme  end  I  tied  the  ropes  which  were  still  round  the 
necks  of  the  cow  and  the  ass,  then,  passing  the  beam  round  to  the 
front  of  the  tree,  I  led  the  animals  away  from  the  water.  As  they 
moved  slowly  forward  the  beam  rose  gently,  and  then  sank 
gradually,  guided  by  the  pulley,  till  the  end  rested  on  the  opposite 
bank. 

No  sooner  was  this  accomplished  than  Fritz  and  Jack  sprang 
boldly  on  the  beam,  and  danced  lightly  and  rapidly  across  the  new 
bridge.  I  trembled  as  I  saw  them,  but  I  refrained  from  uttering 
a  word  of  caution  lest  they  should  fall  from  sudden  fear. 

Now  the  first  beam  was  laid,  the  difficulties  of  the  work  were 

[95] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY  1 

h 

greatly  removed.     The  second  and  third  and  fourth  soon  followed,  | 
and  the  foundation  of  our  bridge  lay  ready  before  our  eyes. 

We    then    cut   a 

^^^~       ^^^      rr-T^r-msrr^^r-^rrr^^-mra     number  of  planks,  \ 

of  about  eight  or 
nine  feet  long,  to 
place  across  the 
breadth  of  the 
bridge,  but  I  did 
not  nail  them  down 
firmly,  as  I  wished 
to  be  able  to  re- 
move them  from 
the  bridge  quickly 
in  case  of  danger, 
to  prevent  the  passage  of  enemies,  whether  men  or  wild  beasts 

It  now  seemed  in  every  point  perfect;  the  supports  were  firmi 
and  the  passage  across  complete. 

But  the  great  exertion  necessary  had  exhausted  our  strength,' 
and  as  evening  approached  we  were  glad  to  return  to  the  tent 
and  seek  the  refreshment  and  repose  which  we  so  greatly  needed. 
Once  more  we  knelt  to  offer  our  evening  prayer  and  to  thank 
God  for  His  merciful  care  of  us  during  the  day.  i 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  IX 


THE   JOURNEY  TO   THE    WONDERFUL   TREES 

N  waking  the  next  morning  my  first  thought  was  to 
warn  my  children  of  the  danger  they  would  incur  if 
they  crossed  the  bridge  carelessly,  as  they  had  done 
on  the  preceding  night. 

"And  you  must  remember,"  I  said,  "that  we  are 
now  going  into  a  region  unknown  and  less  protected  by  nature 
than  this.  We  know  not  what  kind  of  animals  we  may  encoun- 
ter, nor  whether  it  is  inhabited.  It  is  therefore  necessary  to  be 
on  our  guard,  and  keep  close  together  in  case  of  danger  or 
attack." 

After  this  caution  we  knelt  and  offered  our  morning  prayer,  and 
then  proceeded  to  breakfast,  which  was  no  sooner  finished  than  I 
and  the  boys  commenced  preparations  for  our  journey. 

Our  first  act  was  to  load  the  ass  and  the  cow  with  the  travelling- 
bags  containing  our  provisions,  our  tools,  cooking  utensils,  and 
other  useful  things,  the  case  of  bottled  beer  from  the  captain's 
cabin,  and  a  store  of  butter  from  the  cask  not  being  omitted.  At 
last  I  was  about  to  add  some  hammocks  and  bed-coverings  to  the 
donkey's  load,  when  I  was  suddenly  checked  by  my  wife,  who  said: 

"We  must  not  leave  the  chickens  and  pigeons  alone  here  all 
night,  or  there  will  be  an  end  of  them.  Besides,  I  hoped  that 
you  would  find  room  for  little  Frank  on  the  donkey's  back,  and 
also  for  my  bag.     We  know  not  how  soon  we  may  need  it." 

It  was  rather  annoying  to  have  to  unpack,  but  fortunately  I  had 
left  a  space  between  the  two  sacks  which  the  ass  carried,  and  the 
bed-coverings  would  make  a  soft  seat  for  little  Frank.     So  I  placed 

[97] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

him  on  the  donkey  with  the  bag,  which  aheady  bore  the  name  of 
the  magic  bag,  placed  behind  for  him  to  lean  against,  and  he  sat 
as  safely  as  if  on  a  saddle,  and  without  fear  of  danger,  even  should 
his  steed  take  it  into  his  head  to  gallop. 

In  the  mean  time  the  boys  had  been  endeavoring  to  collect  the 
fowls  and  the  pigeons  by  driving  them  into  one  spot.  But  all  in 
vain.  To  catch  them  was  impossible;  and  they  presented  them- 
selves empty-handed  and  looking  veiy  much  discomfited. 

"Leave  them  to  me!"  exclaimed  the  mother.  "I  will  show  you 
what  to  do." 

At  these  words  she  called  the  chickens  to  her  in  coaxing  tones, 
throwing  from  her  apron  a  few  grains  of  pease  and  crumbs  of 
biscuits.  They  all  came  round  her  quickly;  and,  still  scattering 
pease  and  barley  from  the  magic  bag,  she  attracted  them  nearer 
the  tent.  The  rest  of  the  corn  she  threw  into  the  entrance;  and 
as  the  feathered  tribe  rushed  in,  and  pounced  upon  it  with  eager- 
ness, it  was  easy  work  to  close  the  tent  and  make  them  prisoners. 

Then  Jack  carefully  crept  in,  and,  catching  them  one  by  one, 
passed  them  through  an  opening  in  the  tent  to  us.  Fritz  and  I 
tied  their  legs  together  and  placed  them  in  panniers  on  the  back 
of  the  cow. 

To  protect  them  from  the  sun  we  arranged  some  sail-cloth  over 
the  two  halves  of  a  cask-hoop,  which  formed  an  arch,  and  the 
darkness  also  kept  them  quiet. 

The  packing  being  finished,  we  collected  all  the  articles  neces- 
sary to  leave  behind,  at  least  those  that  could  be  injured  by  the 
heat  of  the  sun  or  spoiled  by  rain,  and  placed  them  within  the 
tent,  closing  the  entrance  carefully. 

To  make  it  more  secure  we  barricaded  it  with  the  full  and 
empty  casks  that  remained,  and  left  our  store  to  the  kind  pro- 
tection of  Heaven. 

I  then  arranged  our  little  party  for  the  journey.  We  were  all 
well  armed,  young  and  old,  and  full  of  spirits. 

Fritz  marched  at  the  head  of  our  procession  with  his  mother, 

[98] 


ROBINSON 

followed  by  the  cow  and  the  ass,  and  his  cavalier,  little  Frank. 
The  goats,  led  by  Jack,  formed  the  third  detachment,  the  little 
monkey  looking  droll  on  the  back  of  his  foster-mother.  Ernest 
followed  with  the  sheep,  and  I  walked  last  as  the  rear-guard.  The 
dogs  rushed  here  and  there  as  our  adjutants. 

As  the  procession  moved  on  slowly,  Ernest  remarked: 

*'Papa,  I  think  this  is  a  delightful  way  of  travelling,  and  it  is 
new  to  us.  Are  there  not  people  who  always  travel  from  place  to 
place  in  this  manner  .?'* 

*'Yes,"  I  replied;  "even  now  the  people  of  Tartary,  Arabia, 
and  other  tribes  follow  this  sort  of  life,  and  are  called  nomadic 
races.  They  use  horses  and  camels,  however,  which  enable  them 
to  advance  more  quickly  than  we  can  do  with  our  crawling  ass  and 
our  loaded  cow.  The  patriarchs  of  whom  we  read  in  the  Bible 
travelled  or  wandered  from  place  to  place  after  this  fashion.  For 
my  part,  I  shall  be  glad  when  our  wanderings  are  over." 

**I  hope,"  said  my  wife,  "that  our  new  abode  may  prove  too 
delightful  for  us  to  have  any  wish  to  leave  it.  At  all  events,  the 
fault  shall  not  be  mine  if  we  are  obliged  to  take  another  journey." 

Thus  conversing,  we  arrived  at  the  bridge,  and  at  this  point  the 
sow  joined  our  procession.  We  had  found  it  impossible  to  make 
her  follow  the  other  animals  from  the  tent;  but  when  she  dis- 
covered that  we  had  really  left  her  behind,  she  hastened  to  over- 
take us,  and  we  all  happily  crossed  the  bridge  together  without 
accident,  the  sow  grunting  her  disapproval  of  the  whole  affair. 

On  the  opposite  shore  a  new  difficulty  presented  itself.  The 
grass  looked  so  fresh  and  tempting  that  our  troop  could  not  resist 
the  temptation,  but  scattered  themselves  right  and  left  to  feast  upon 
it.  We  should  have  been  quite  unable  to  place  them  again  in 
rank  and  file  but  for  the  help  of  our  dogs,  who,  barking  and 
chasing,  brought  them  again  into  order. 

To  avoid  a  second  interruption  I  told  Fritz  to  turn  to  the  left, 
toward  the  shore,  through  a  part  of  the  country  overgrown  with 
tall,  rank  grass  not  in  the  least  tempting  to  the  animals. 

[99] 


TSi  SWISS  FAMILY; 

We  had  scarcely  proceeded  any  distance  when  the  dogs  suddenly! 
started  forward  and  disappeared  in  the  thick  grass;  and  presently|i 
their  furious  barking  became  mixed  with  howls  of  pain,  as  if  they|; 
were  wounded  and  struggling  with  some  wild  beast.  !( 

Fritz  hastily  advanced  to  the  spot  with  his  gun  raised  and  hisjl 
finger  on  the  trigger;  Jack  followed  him  fearlessly,  carrying  his| 
pocket-pistol  in  his  hand;  while  Ernest, who  was  nervous  and  timid,! 
ran  behind  his  mother,  yet  making  ready  to  fire  in  case  of  danger.' 
For  my  own  part,  I  felt  the  necessity  of  being  cautious,  and  fol-i 
lowed  the  boys  anxiously  with  my  gun  in  readiness,  for  it  appeared 
probable  that  the  dogs  had  attacked  a  strong  and  furious  beast, 
which  might  overpower  them.  The  boys,  in  their  eagerness  after 
any  novelty,  reached  the  spot  before  me,  and  the  next  moment 
Jack  cried  out:  \> 

**Papa,  come,  quick!  It  is  a  large  porcupine!  Such  an  enor-l) 
mous  beast!     Make  haste!  ' 

I  saw  as  I  hastily  approached  that  he  was  right,  although  his! 
description  was  a  little  exaggerated  respecting  the  size  of  the 
animal,  which  the  dogs  still  continued  to  attack,  yet  retiring  from 
their  attempts  in  useless  rage  at  being  w^ounded  by  the  sharp 
points  which  protruded  from  its  skin.  They  could  not  approach 
it  without  receiving  a  number  of  small  wounds,  which  bled  terribly. 
Their  howls,  in  consequence,  were  most  horrible  to  hear. 

Jack,  without  thought  of  consequences,  at  once  drew  his  pocket- 
pistol  from  his  belt,  raised  the  trigger,  and,  going  as  near  the 
animal  as  he  dared,  took  aim  at  the  head  so  correctly  that  the 
creature  fell  dead  at  our  feet  before  we  knew  what  the  boy  was 
about. 

A  shout  of  joy  from  the  boys  at  this  removal  of  their  alarm- 
ing enemy  followed  Jack's  exploit,  although  Fritz  looked  a  little 
mortified  at  his  younger  brother's  success,  and  asked  him,  rather 
indignantly,  why  he  was  in  such  a  hurry;  but  Jack  was  not  easily 
offended,  so  he  turned  off  the  inquiry  with  a  joke;  in  fact,  he  was 
so  anxious  to  secure  his  booty  that,  after  giving  it  two  strokes  with 

[  loo  ] 


i 


ROBINSON 


ROBINSON 

the  butt  end  of  his  gun  to  make  sure  it  was  dead,  he  attempted  to 
draw  it  from  the  spot  with  his  usual  carelessness. 

The  next  moment  he  threw  the  dead  animal  from  him  in  haste, 
and  stood  with  bleeding  hands,  looking  terribly  embarrassed.  But 
Jack  was  not  one  to  be  easily  conquered,  and  in  his  anxiety  to 
show  his  prize  to  his  mother  he  wiped  his  hands,  and  then,  tying 
his  pocket-handkerchief  round  the  neck  of  the  dead  porcupine,  he 
dragged  it  by  the  ends  to  his  mother. 

"Look,  mamma!"  he  cried;  "isn't  this  a  beautiful  prize  .f*  I 
killed  it  myself  with  my  pocket-pistol;  and  it  will  be  useful,  for 
papa  says  the  flesh  is  good  to  eat." 

Ernest  approached  coolly  to  examine  the  animal,  and  said,  at 
last: 

"The  creature  has  incisor  teeth,  and  ears  and  feet  something 
like  those  of  human  beings." 

"Ah,  yes,"  said  Jack;  "but  did  you  not  see  how  he  rustled  and 
bristled  his  quills  against  the  dogs  ^     He  is  a  frightful  creature." 

"Papa,  did  you  notice  the  tuft  of  hair  on  his  head?"  asked 
Jack.     "What  is  the  use  of  it  ?" 

"Only  to  give  it  the  name  of  the  tufted  porcupine,"  I  replied. 
"But  tell  me.  Jack,  were  you  not  afraid  that  the  creature  would 
shoot  his  quills  into  you  .?" 

"I  never  thought  about  it,"  he  replied;  "or  if  I  had,  I  should 
have  known  that  the  superstition  about  porcupines  shooting  their 
quills  is  fabulous." 

His  mother  and  I  were  seated  on  the  ground  while  we  talked, 
drawing  out  the  pointed  quills  from  the  muzzles  of  our  brave  dogs. 

"Look  here,"  I  replied,  holding  up  five  or  six  quills  which  we 
had  extracted,  "these  were  stuck  in  the  dogs.  Jack." 

"I  can  quite  believe  that,"  he  replied;  "but  they  attacked  him 
closely,  and  of  course  the  quills  stuck  to  them  and  were  dragged 
out  of  his  skin  while  they  struggled." 

"You  are  right,  my  brave  little  man,"  I  said.  "The  porcupine 
has  no  power  of  shooting  his  quills  like  arrows.     But  now  tell  me 

[  10.3  ] 


Ta£  SWISS  FAMILY 

what  we  are  to  do  with  your  game.     Shall  wc  take  it  with  us  or  I 

leave  it  behind  ?"  I 

I 

"Oh,  we  must  take  it  with  us,  papa!"  cried  Jack.  "Besides,  I 
it  is  good  to  eat,  so  please  let  us  take  it."  I 

I  could  not  resist  these  entreaties;  I  therefore  unwound  the  hand- 
kerchief from  the  animal's  head,  wrapped  it  in  grass,  stroked  back  j 
the  quills,  tied  it  up  in  some  of  our  bedclothes  folded  three  times 
double,  and  fastening  the  bundle  across  the  back  of  the  ass  behind 
Frank  and  the  mother's  wonderful  bag,  thought  all  was  safe. 

After  this  we  collected  the  animals  and  proceeded  again  on 
our  journey. 

We  had  scarcely,  however,  advanced  a  hundred  steps  before  the 
ass  began  to  bray,  and  presently  to  leap  and  bound  in  the  most 
comical  manner,  as  if  he  were  mad,  causing  us  all  to  shout  with 
laughter,  till  he  ended  at  last  by  dragging  away  the  bridle  by  which 
my  wife  led  him,  and  starting  off  at  full  gallop. 

The  danger  to  Frank  now  stopped  our  amusement.  Making  a  ' 
sign  to  the  dogs,  they  started  after  the  ass  at  once,  and  brought 
him  to  a  standstill  before  we  could  reach  him. 

"Oh,  what  a  splendid  gallop!"  exclaimed  Frank,  as  we  arrived 
at  the  spot. 

"Yes,  my  child,"  I  replied;  "but  we  ought  to  thank  God  that 
you  did  not  fall  off  and  break  your  limbs.  What  could  have 
induced  this  quiet,  patient  animal  to  run  away  I  cannot  imagine." 

But  on  examination  of  the  animal's  burdens  I  soon  discovered 
the  cause.  The  pointed  quills  of  the  porcupine  had  pierced  the 
triple  covering,  and  penetrated  to  the  skin  of  the  poor  animal  in  a 
most  unpleasant  manner.  No  wonder  he  leaped  and  bounced 
under  such  sharp,  tickling  sensations.  The  evil  was  soon  re- 
moved. I  placed  the  porcupine  upon  the  magic  bag,  and  under  it 
I  laid  a  thick  bed-cover  double;  and,  telling  little  Frank  not  to 
lean  back,  we  resumed  our  journey. 

Fritz  marched  in  advance  of  us,  with  his  gun  always  ready,  in 
the  hope  that,  as  a  recompense  for  losing  the  honor  of  killing  the 

[104] 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O  N 

porcupine,  he  should  meet  with  some  bustards,  with  which  his 
mother  could  prepare  such  a  splendid  dish. 

We  followed  quietly,  and  arrived  at  last  without  further  incident 
in  safety  at  the  "Promised  Land,"  as  the  boys  called  it. 

*'Oh,  what  magnificent  trees!"  exclaimed  Ernest.  "And  look 
at  their  height!" 

"Indeed,  they  are  magnificent!"  I  cried.  "I  have  never  even 
imagined  the  existence  of  such  trees!  I  own,  dear  wife,  that  this 
is  a  wonderful  place.  If  we  can  climb  these  trees,  and  establish 
ourselves  upon  them,  we  may  feel  perfectly  secure  against  any 
animals,  for  I  defy  even  a  bear  to  climb  trees  so  high,  especially 
with  trunks  possessing  such  a  smooth  bark  as  these." 

We  immediately  commenced  releasing  the  animals  of  their  load, 
and  setting  them  free,  to  feed  with  the  sheep  and  goats.  Their 
fore  legs  were  tied  loosely  together  with  cords,  that  they  might  not 
wander  far  from  the  spot.     The  sow  we  left  to  do  as  she  pleased. 

As  to  the  fowls  and  pigeons,  they  were  at  once  set  at  liberty,  to 
their  great  relief.  We  then  seated  ourselves  to  rest  on  the  soft 
green  turf,  and  to  consult  on  our  future  dwelling-place.  And,  first 
of  all,  it  was  necessary  to  prepare  a  lodging,  not  only  as  a  protec- 
tion from  the  cold  night  air,  but  also  as  a  security  from  the  attacks 
of  wild  beasts,  to  which  we  should  be  exposed  if  we  remained  on 
the  ground.  I  knew,  therefore,  that  by  some  means  this  lodging 
must  be  made  on  the  branches  or  roots  of  the  trees. 

While  discussing  the  subject  with  my  wife,  Fritz  had  wandered 
out  of  sight,  and  suddenly  we  heard  the  report  of  a  gun  just 
behind  us,  then  a  second  report,  and  the  words,  "He  is  hit!  he  is 
hit!"  explained  what  our  young  sportsman  was  about. 

In  a  few  moments  he  reappeared,  carrying  by  its  hind  legs  an 
enormous  tiger-cat,  which  he  held  up  before  us  all  proudly. 

"  Bravo,  Master  Sportsman !"  I  cried.  "  You  have  rendered  good 
service  to  our  fowls  and  pigeons;  your  friend  there  would  have 
made  sad  havoc  in  our  farm-yard  this  night,  if  you  had  not  de- 
molished him.     These  animals,  however,  are  seldom  alone,  so  you 

[105] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

must  keep  a  careful  watch  for  any  of  his  companions  who  may  be 
prowling  about." 

''I  wonder  why  God  created  such  dreadful  animals?"  said 
Ernest. 

"It  is  always  difficult  for  us  weak  mortals  to  understand  why 
God   has  created   this  or  that;   but    He    is   so  wise    and   good 

that  we  know  there  must  be 
excellent  reasons  for  all  He 
does,  although  we  are  unable 
to  explain  or  understand  these 
reasons  to  our  own  satisfac- 
tion. You  are  acquainted 
with  one  thing  useful  even 
in  the  tiger-cat,  Ernest,  and 
that  is  the  skin;  and  you 
know  also  how  many  beau- 
tiful and  warm  furs  are  ob- 
tained for  winter  clothing 
from  the  bear,  the  wild-cat, 
the  ermine,  the  Siberian 
squirrel,  and  many  other  ani- 
mals which  inhabit  cold  re- 
gions in  the  north." 

"And  is  not  the  sealskin 
very  useful .?"  asked  Ernest. 
"Yes,"  I  replied;  "and 
although  this  creature  is  by  nature  as  voracious  among  fish  as 
the  wild  dog  originally  was  on  land;  still,  he  has  been  tamed  by 
man  to  become,  like  the  house  dog,  a  faithful  and  attached 
friend.  But,  Fritz,  now  tell  me  how  you  managed  to  kill  this 
beast  of  prey,  and  where  you  found  him." 

"  I  saw  a  movement  first  among  the  foliage  of  a  tree.  I  went 
quietly  and  stood  at  the  foot,  and  there,  on  a  branch,  I  saw  this 
monster.     The  first  shot  brought  him  to  my  feet,  but  he  was  not 

[io6] 


ROBINSON 

dead,  and  as  he  tried  to  rise  I  fired  a  second  time,  and  he  moved 
no  more." 

"You  may  think  yourself  fortunate,"  I  said,  "that  the  creature 
did  not  fly  at  you  after  the  first  shot;  these  animals  will  defend 
their  own  lives  fiercely.  I  think  the  one  you  have  just  killed  is  the 
margay,  a  species  of  tiger-cat  very  common  at  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope  and  in  South  America,  and  so  voracious  that  even  our  sheep 
and  goats  would  not  be  safe  against  such  a  formidable  enemy." 

"Well,  papa,"  said  Fritz,  "now  I  have  killed  the  animal,  can  we 
not  make  use  of  this  beautiful  skin  ?  Look  at  the  glossy  black  and 
brown  spots  on  a  golden-yellow  ground!" 

"Indeed  you  can,"  I  replied,  "if  you  strip  oflTthe  skin  carefully, 
excepting  from  the  legs;  of  these  you  can  make  cases  for  knives, 
forks,  and  spoons,  and  of  the  tail  a  hunting-belt  to  carry  your 
pistols." 

"But,  dear  papa,"  said  Jack,  "what  is  the  use  of  the  porcupine's 

skin  r 

"Why,  my  boy,  it  can  be  made  very  useful  with  a  little  trouble," 
I  replied.  "The  quills  form  excellent  packing-needles  and  arrow- 
heads. We  can  also  construct  another  collar  for  each  of  our  dogs 
to  wear  when  they  go  to  battle  with  wild  beasts;  indeed,  we  might 
easily  provide  them  with  a  kind  of  armor  like  coats  of  mail;  the 
sharp  points  of  the  quills  would  keep  their  enemies  at  a  distance." 

"That  would  be  fun,"  cried  Jack,  "to  see  our  brave  dogs 
dressed  up  in  such  a  fashion." 

After  this  the  young  people  gave  me  no  rest  till  I  had  shown 
them  how  to  remove  the  skin  from  the  wildcat  and  the  porcupine 
without  injuring  it.  I  advised  them  to  tie  each  animal  to  the 
branch  of  a  tree,  by  the  hind  legs,  and,  by  carefully  separating 
them  from  the  flesh  with  a  knife,  the  skins  of  the  porcupine  and 
the  tiger-cat  were  removed  and  nailed  to  a  tree  to  dry. 

Meanwhile,  Ernest  and  little  Frank  were  busily  employed,  one 
m  gathering  stones  to  make  a  cooking-place  for  their  mother,  and 
the  other  in  collecting  dry  branches  of  trees  for  a  fire.     Ernest 

[107] 


TSS  SWISS  FAMILY 

quickly  accomplished  his  task,  and  while  I  showed  him  how  to 
arrange  the  stones  for  a  hearth,  he  questioned  me  about  the  trees. 

"Do  you  think  these  are  nut-trees,  papa?"  he  asked;  "the 
leaves  are  very  much  like  those  of  our  walnut." 

"Plants  which  have  similar  leaves  do  not  always  belong  to  the 
same  family,"  I  replied;  "and  in  other  respects  the  trees  on  this 
spot  appear  to  differ  from  ours;  the  leaves  are  of  a  paler  green,  and 
almost  white  on  the  under  side.  I  believe  them  to  be  mangroves 
or  wild  figs,  for  the  roots  form  a  kind  of  arch  or  curve,  and  the 
trunks  rise  to  a  height  almost  beyond  the  power  of  the  eye  to 
reach." 

"I  thought  that  mangroves  grew  only  near  the  borders  of  rivers 
or  on  marshy  ground,"  said  Ernest. 

"You  are  partly  right,  my  child,"  I  said;  "but  this  applies  only 
to  the  dark  mangroves,  not  to  the  red,  which  bears  little  berries, 
and  never  reaches  to  such  a  great  height." 

Presently  little  Frank  appeared  with  his  arms  full  of  dry  wood, 
and  something  in  his  mouth,  which  he  was  eating  with  a  great 
relish. 

"I've  found  something  so  nice!"  he  cried,  with  his  mouth  full, 
— "oh,  so  nice!" 

"My  child,  what  are  you  eating .?"  cried  his  mother,  anxiously; 
"  it  may  be  poisonous  and  make  you  die.  Give  me  what  you  have 
in  your  mouth,  for  Heaven's  sake,  and  do  not  swallow  the  smallest 
piece! 

Frank  in  a  fright  allowed  his  mother  to  take  from  his  mouth 
what  appeared  to  be  the  remains  of  a  small  fig. 

"Where  did  you  get  this?"  she  asked. 

"Yonder,  in  the  grass,"  replied  Frank,  "there  are  thousands  of 
them;  the  fowls  and  the  pigeons  are  eating  such  a  lot,  and  the  one 
I  tasted  was  so  nice  that  I  thought  it  wouldn't  do  me  any  harm." 

"Do  not  be  alarmed,  my  dear.  I  trust  there  is  no  danger,"  I 
said  to  my  wife,  as  she  looked  at  me  inquiringly;  "these  trees  are 
a  species  of  mangrove,  and  bear  a  kind  of  fig  which  I  believe  is 

[.08] 


1 


R  O  B  IN  SON 

wholesome;  but,  Frank,"  I  continued,  addressing  the  child,  "re- 
member you  must  never  eat  the  fruit  you  find,  or  even  taste  it,  till 
you  have  shown  it  to  me.  As  a  rule,  however,  we  may  consider 
any  kind  of  vegetable  or  fruit  eaten  by  birds  or  monkeys  as  whole- 
some food." 

"  But,  papa,"  said  Ernest,  "cocoanuts  are  good,  yet  the  birds  do 
not  eat  them." 

"Their  shells  are  too  hard  and  too  large  for  birds  to  manage," 
I  replied;  "besides,  Ernest,  there  is  no  rule  without  an  exception." 

Frank,  however,  had  no  sooner  heard  my  statement  about  the 
monkeys  than  he  ran  off  in  triumph  to  a  tree  near  those  on  which 
the  skins  of  the  porcupine  and  the  tiger-cat  were  nailed.  Upon  a 
root  of  this  tree  the  little  monkey  was  seated,  and  Frank,  who  had 
two  figs  in  his  pocket,  presented  one  to  Master  Nip. 

He  seized  it  hastily,  and  began  eating  it  with  the  most  comical 
expressions  of  delight  and  the  greatest  eagerness. 

In  their  satisfaction  at  this  discovery  respecting  the  figs,  the  boys, 
with  Frank  as  their  leader,  shouted,  "Bravo!  bravo!"  with  all 
their  might. 

Meanwhile  our  clever  housekeeper  had  lighted  the  fire,  and  pre- 
pared for  us  a  dinner  of  soup  from  pieces  of  the  porcupine,  which 
I  had  divided  into  halves;  one  to  be  eaten  fresh,  the  other  salted. 
The  flesh  of  the  tiger-cat  we  gave  to  the  dogs.  Until  dinner  was 
ready  I  employed  myself  in  forming  needles  of  the  porcupine*s 
quills.  To  produce  the  eyes  I  made  a  nail  red  hot,  and  pierced  it 
through  the  thickest  end  of  each  quill;  in  a  very  little  time  I  had 
manufactured  a  packet  of  needles,  which  gave  my  wife  a  very 
pleasant  surprise. 

I  remembered,  also,  that  we  had  no  harness  of  any  sort  for  our 
beasts  of  burden,  and  I  resolved  by  some  means  to  supply  that 
deficiency.  But,  like  many  other  important  wants,  I  knew  It  must 
be  deferred  to  the  next  day. 

After  finishing  the  needles,  I  and  the  boys  made  choice  of  a 
tree  which  I  considered  would  be  the  most  suitable  for  our  future 

[  109  ] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

dwelling.  I  then  tied  stones  to  the  ends  of  pieces  of  rope,  and 
tried  to  throw  them  over  the  lower  branches.  The  boys  also 
exerted  themselves,  but  we  were  too  tired  to  succeed.  It  seemed 
impossible,  therefore,  to  establish  our  dwelling  in  the  tree  on  that 
day,  and,  after  marking  the  spot  with  a  heap  of  stones,  gave  up  the 
idea.  Very  soon  my  wife  called  us  to  dinner.  We  truly  enjoyed 
the  excellent  soup,  and  the  flesh  of  the  porcupine  she  had  boiled 
for  us,  with  biscuits  as  a  substitute  for  bread. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  X 

A  night's  lodging 

FEAR  we  shall  be  obliged  to  sleep  on  the  ground, 
after  all,"  I  said  to  my  wife  after  dinner,  "for  with 
all  our  efforts  we  cannot  reach  even  to  the  lower 
branches  of  these  trees.  However,  as  we  shall  want 
to  harness  the  animals,  that  they  may  bring  wood 
and  beams  from  the  beach,  will  you  make  some  straps  and  breast- 
bands  of  skin  and  sail-cloth,  that  they  may  be  ready  for  us  to- 
morrow ?" 

My  good  wife  set  herself  to  work  immediately,  with  the  needles  I 
had  fashioned  from  the  porcupine's  quills, to  make  what  I  required. 
Meanwhile  I  fastened  the  hammocks  to  the  arched  roots  of  the 
tree  I  had  chosen,  and  stretched  over  them  a  large  piece  of  sail- 
cloth, to  protect  us  from  the  night  dews.  And  then,  satisfied  that 
we  should  at  least  have  a  shelter  for  the  night,  I  hastened  with 
Fritz  and  Ernest  to  the  beach,  hoping  to  discover  some  suitable 
materials  with  which  to  construct  a  rope  ladder. 

The  shore  was  strewn  with  beams  and  planks  from  the  wreck; 
but  these  were  too  large  and  heavy  for  my  purpose,  and  would  re- 
quire so  much  preparation  that  I  began  to  fear  disappointment, 
when  Ernest  suddenly  discovered  a  number  of  bamboo  canes,  half 
buried  in  mud  and  sand. 

With  the  help  of  the  boys  I  joyfully  disinterred  the  useful  reeds, 
and,  after  scraping  and  cleaning  them,  found  to  my  great  satisfac- 
tion that  they  would  fully  answer  my  purpose. 

I  then  cut  them  into  lengths  of  about  four  or  five  feet  each,  and 
tied  them  into  three  bundles  of  equal  thickness,  for  myself  and  the 

[ni] 


T"^  SWISS  FAMILY 

boys  to  carry.  I  chose  also  a  tew  thinner  canes,  of  which  I  in- 
tended to  make  arrows  for  another  purpose. 

At  a  little  distance  from  this  spot  we  came  to  marshy  ground, 
on  which  grew  a  thick  bush  of  green  reeds,  and,  as  they  appeared 
likely  to  become  useful,  I  determined  to  obtain  a  supply.  Accord- 
ing to  our  custom,  we  were  all  well  armed,  and  the  dog  Floss,  who 
accompanied  us,  appeared  to  consider  herself  our  leader,  and 
marched  in  front. 

As  we  approached  the  marsh  she  suddenly  started  forward  as  if 
she  were  mad,  barking  furiously  amid  the  reeds.  The  next  mo- 
ment a  flock  of  superb  flamingoes,  which  Floss  had  put  to  flight, 
rose  in  the  air  with  rushing  wings  above  our  heads. 

Fritz,  always  alert  and  on  his  guard,  instantly  raised  his  gun  and 
fired,  bringing  down  two  of  the  hindmost.  One  of  them  fell  dead 
at  a  little  distance,  but  the  other,  which  was  only  slightly  wounded 
in  the  wing,  rose  quickly,  and  used  his  long  legs  as  if  he  were  on 
stilts  with  the  greatest  swiftness. 

Fritz  started  forward  incautiously  to  secure  the  dead  bird,  and 
at  once  sank  up  to  his  knees  in  the  marshy  ground.  Warned  by 
his  example,  I  followed  the  wounded  bird  by  a  circuitous  route, 
softly  but  as  quickly  as  possible;  yet  I  should  have  failed  to  over- 
take him  had  not  Floss  rushed  forward  and,  seizing  the  bird  by 
the  wing,  held  it  firmly  till  I  came  up  to  them. 

The  flamingo  fought  bravely  for  his  life,  beating  me  with  his 
wings  with  great  force;  and  it  was  only  after  a  struggle  that  I  suc- 
ceeded in  mastering  him. 

I  took  him  gently  under  my  arm,  and  returned  to  the  place 
where  I  had  left  the  boys. 

"Oh,  papa!"  exclaimed  Ernest,  **have  you  caught  him  .?  Is  he 
alive  .?     Oh,  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  make  him  tame!" 

Fritz  was  examining  tlie  dead  flamingo,  and  presently  he 
said : 

"Papa,  the  flamingo  is  web-footed,  like  the  goose,  and  yet  he 
has  long  legs  and  can  run  like  the  stork.     Is  not  this  unusual  V* 

[112] 


R  O  B  I  N  S  ON 

"No,  my  boy;  there  are  many  birds  which  possess  the  swimming 
feet  and  yet  have  long  legs." 

"Have  all  flamingoes  beautifully  colored  plumage  like  this?" 
he  asked  again.  "I  fancied  as  the  birds  flew  that  some  of  them 
had  not  purple  and  rose  colored  wings." 

"Probably  not,"  I  replied,  "for  I  believe  the  young  flamingoes 
while  growing  are  of  a  grayish  white.  It  is  only  when  full  grown 
that  their  feathers  assume  such  brilliant  colors." 

While  gathering  the  reeds,  I  remembered  that  the  savage  nations 
used  them  particularly  for  pointed  arrows;  yet  the  larger  ones 
might  prove  useful  in  another  way.  I  therefore  cut  a  few  of  the 
longest  I  could  find,  saying, 

"We  shall  be  able  to  measure  the  height  of  the  tree  with  these, 
my  boys." 

They  laughed  incredulously  at  this  assertion,  and  Ernest  said, 

"Why,  papa,  if  you  were  to  tie  ten  or  a  dozen  of  those  paltry 
reeds  one  upon  the  other  they  would  not  reach  the  lowest  branch." 

"Have  patience,"  I  said,  with  a  smile;  "you  will  learn  what  I 
mean  to  do  in  time." 

Presently  we  arrived  at  our  resting-place,  laden  with  the  canes 
and  our  booty,  and  were  received  by  Jack  and  Frank  with  outcries 
of  delight,  especially  when  they  espied  the  living  flamingo.  The 
mother  only  did  not  share  in  their  joy. 

"I  fear,"  she  said,  "that  with  so  many  living  animals  we  shall 
find  our  supply  of  food  for  them  quickly  disappear." 

I  did  not  reply,  for  I  was  anxious  to  examine  the  wounds  of  the 
poor  flamingo.  Unfortunately,  I  found  the  outer  pinion  of  both 
wings  injured,  one  by  the  shot  from  the  gun,  the  other  crushed  by 
the  dog's  teeth,  where  she  had  caught  it. 

I  managed,  however,  to  anoint  the  wounds  with  butter,  and,  after 
binding  them  carefully  with  pieces  of  old  linen,  I  fixed  a  stake 
firmly  in  the  ground  near  the  river,  and  tied  the  bird's  leg  to  it  by 
a  rope  long  enough  for  him  to  walk  about  on  the  beach  and  to 
reach  the  water;  then  I  left  him  to  his  fate. 


THE  SWISS  family] 

By  this  time  the  boys  were  trying  to  measure  the  height  of  the 
tree  by  tying  two  of  the  longest  pieces  of  cane  together;  but  they 
hardly  reached  the  highest  point  of  the  arched  roots.     I  could  see 

how  impatient  they 
were  for  me  to  com- 
mence my  measure- 
ment, even  while  with 
youthful  jokes  they 
laughed  at  the  idea  of 
my  success. 

They  watched  me 
with  amusement  and 
surprise  as  I  placed 
tall  reeds  in  the 
ground  at  equal  dis- 
tances from  one  an- 
other, tied  strings 
here  and  there,  till  I 
formed  angles,  right  angles,  and  at  last  right-angled  triangles. 

Fritz  looked  on  with  deep  interest.  I  knew  he  had  learned 
Euclid  at  school,  and  had  a  sufficient  knowledge  of  trigonometry^ 
to  comprehend  what  I  was  about.  Therefore,  when  my  arrange- 
ments were  completed,  I  said, 

**Well,  Fritz,  can  you  tell  me  now^  the  height  of  this  tree  r' 
He  looked  thoughtful  for  a  few  moments,  and  then  said, 
"I  believe  the  height  of  this  tree  to  the  first  branch  is  three 
times  the  length  of  the   middle  string  which   is  fastened  to  the 
trunk." 

"Quite  right,"  I  replied.     "Now,  Ernest,  measure  the  middle 
string  with  my  foot-rule,  and  tell  me  the  height  to  the  branch." 
"Nearly  forty  feet,  papa;  three  times  thirteen  are  thirty-nine." 
"Well,"  exclaimed  Jack,  "that  is  wonderful!     What  a  good 
thing  you  know  it  all,  papa!" 

*  The  art  of  measuring  by  angles  or  triangles. 

[114] 


X,-,<.H-      ,^ 


ROBINSON 

"I  learned  it  in  my  young  days,  Ernest.  Ah,  my  boys,  youth  is 
the  time  to  learn;  it  is  too  late  after  the  cares  of  the  world  fall  on 
our  shoulders." 

"But,  papa,"  said  Ernest,  "this  does  not  help  us  to  climb  the 
tree. 

"  Perhaps  not  yet,  but  it  decides  that  we  shall  want  eighty  yards 
of  rope  for  the  two  sides  of  our  ladder.  Measure  the  pieces  which 
form  the  triangle  again,  boys,  and  then  Jack  and  Frank  can  wind 
it  up  into  a  ball  and  take  it  to  the  mother,  while  I  prepare  some- 
thing else." 

Fritz  and  Ernest  hastened  to  obey,  while  I  seated  myself  on  the 
grass  and  hastily  formed  a  bow  with  one  of  the  bamboo  canes  and 
a  strong  cord,  and  half  a  dozen  arrows  from  the  pointed  reeds. 
As  they  appeared  too  light,  I  filled  the  hollow  canes  with  wet  sand, 
and  attached  feathers  of  the  flamingo  to  the  lower  end,  so  that  the 
arrow  might  fly  straight  in  the  air.  When  this  was  ready  I  felt 
with  satisfaction  that  my  purpose  was  accomplished. 

The  appearance  of  the  bow  and  arrow^  brought  all  the  young 
people  round  me,  exclaiming  in  joyful  accents: 

"Oh,  a  bow!  a  bow  and  arrows!  What  are  you  going  to  do, 
papa  ^     Oh,  let  me  shoot!  and  me!  and  me!" 

"Patience,  my  children,"  I  cried;  "this  time  I  must  take  the 
precedence;  besides,  it  is  work,  and  not  intended  for  amusement, 
but  use.  Ask  your  mother  if  she  has  a  ball  of  strong,  coarse  string 
to  give  us." 

In  a  few  moments  my  wife  appeared  with  her  magic  bag. 

"I  will  examine  what  it  contains,"  she  said,  with  a  smile,  as  she 
put  her  hand  in,  and,  drawing  out  the  required  ball  of  string,  she 
offered  it  to  me,  saying, 

"There,  my  husband,  is  just  what  you  want,  a  whole  skein  of 
strong  and  coarse  string  from  my  enchanted  bag!" 

"Ah,  mamma,"  laughed  Ernest,  "that  certainly  is  wonderful 
magic,  to  bring  forth  from  a  bag  what  you  have  put  there  your- 
self!" 

[115] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"There  is  really  no  mystery  in  it,"  said  his  mother.  "If  we  are 
thoughtful  at  the  right  time  to  place  anything  useful  where  it  can 
be  easily  and  quickly  found,  that  is  at  least  the  best  magic." 

At  this  moment  Fritz  appeared,  and  informed  me  that  the  cord 
I  had  used  measured  more  than  a  hundred  and  forty  feet,  which 
was  longer  than  we  needed  for  the  ladder.  I,  however,  took  an 
arrow  and  fastened  it  to  one  end  of  the  skein  of  thread,  which  the 
boys  unwound,  and,  placing  it  on  the  bow,  after  one  or  ts\^o  trials 
I  drew  it  toward  the  tree  in  such  a  direction  that  the  arrow 
passed  over  one  of  the  branches  and  fell  on  the  other  side,  carry- 
ing the  string  with  it,  and  leaving  it  suspended  in  the  air. 

Carefully  holding  the  end  of  the  string,  I  fastened  a  rope  to  it 
and  passed  it  over  the  branch.  The  two  ends  I  nailed  to  the 
trunk,  to  keep  it  from  slipping  off  while  we  constructed  our  rope 
ladder. 

First  I  cut  off  a  length  of  about  a  hundred  feet  from  the  rope, 
and  divided  it  into  portions  of  fifty  feet  each.  These  I  laid  side 
by  side  on  the  ground  at  about  six  inches  apart,  the  boys  eagerly 
assisting  me.  Fritz  cut  the  bamboo  canes  into  equal  lengths  of 
two  feet  each;  Ernest  brought  them  to  me;  I  placed  them  between 
the  two  ropes,  fastened  them  tightly  at  each  end,  and  then  desired 
Jack  to  drive  a  nail  through  the  fastening,  to  keep  them  from 
slipping;  and  thus  we  completed  a  rope  ladder  with  forty  strands 
in  a  very  short  time,  to  the  great  delight  and  astonishment  of  the 
mother,  who  was  looking  on. 

I  then  attached  firmly  this  wonderful  construction  to  one  end  of ' 
the  cord  which  hung  over  the  branch,  and  by  the  means  of  the 
other  end  drew  it  up  till  the  top  of  the  ladder  reached  the  bough 
and  hung  suspended  from  the  tree,  while  the  children  in  delight 
uttered  shouts  of  joy. 

Each  of  them  wished  to  mount  first,  but  I  chose  Jack,  as  being 
the  lightest  of  the  three  elder  ones,  and  the  most  agile;  and  I; 
knew  he  would  not  try  the  strength  of  my  ladder  so  much  as  those 
who  were  larger  and  heavier. 

[1.6] 


ROBINSON 

The  youngster  scrambled  up  as  swiftly  and  saucily  as  a  cat,  and 
reached  the  top  in  safety. 

I  now  believed  that  Fritz  might  venture;  and  when  he  also 
reached  the  top  and  made  the  ladder  fast  to  the  tree,  I  resolved  to 
follow  him  myself  and  arrange  what  was  still  necessary.  I  took 
with  me  a  pulley,  and,  by  means  of  a  strong  cord,  I  fastened  it  to 
the  highest  branch  I  could  reach.  This  I  knew  would  enable  me 
next  day  to  draw  up  the  beams  and  planks  which  I  might  require. 
This  work  was  finished  by  moonlight,  and  with  it  the  hardest  day's 
work  we  had  performed  since  our  shipwreck  came  to  an  end.  I 
descended  the  ladder,  satisfied  with  my  success  and  full  of  con- 
fidence in  the  future. 

Presently  I  missed  Fritz  and  Jack,  and  for  a  moment  began  to 
feel  anxious,  till  I  remembered  that,  while  I  had  been  finishing 
rhy  preparations  at  the  top  of  the  ladder,  they  had  climbed  highei- 
up  the  tree.  At  the  same  moment  there  fell  upon  my  ear  from 
the  topmost  branches  the  harmonious  tones  of  two  young  voices 
singing  the  Evening  Hymn.  I  listened  with  a  lightened  heart; 
and  when  it  ceased  I  called  to  them  to  come  down  to  help  me  to 
collect  the  animals,  and  to  gather  wood  for  a  fire  to  burn  all  night 
and  protect  us  from  wild  beasts. 

They  descended  quickly,  and,  after  I  had  fastened  the  lower 
end  of  the  ladder  to  one  of  the  roots,  we  attended  to  the  wants  of 
the  animals  and  the  poultry,  who  were  assembled  round  us,  asking 
for  food.  After  they  had  eaten  a  good  supper,  I  was  pleased  to 
see  the  poultry  and  pigeons  perch  themselves  to  roost  on  the  rungs 
of  our  ladder,  and  the  four-footed  beasts  creep  under  the  arched 
roots  of  the  tree,  near  our  hammocks,  and  lay  themselves  down, 
perfectly  free  from  care.  The  flamingo  was  not  forgotten.  We 
gave  him  some  milk-sop,  placed  him  in  a  corner  near  the  trunk  of 
the  tree,  and  tied  him  to  a  root,  where  he  soon  put  his  head  under 
his  right  wing,  stood  upon  one  leg,  with  the  other  tucked  up,  and 
in  that  position  slept  in  comfort. 

By  this  time  we  gladly  welcomed  the  hour  for  food  and  rest; 

[117] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

and  while  my  wife  prepared  our  supper  we  gathered  a  quantity  of 
wood  and  arranged  it  in  a  circle  round  the  tree,  for  I  had  deter- 
mined to  have  fires  lighted  as  a  protection,  and  to  keep  awake 
myself  during  the  night  to  replenish  them. 

By  the  time  all  this  was  finished  my  wife  announced  that  supper 
was  ready,  and  we  ran  hastily  to  partake  of  it,  for,  indeed,  we  were 
almost  starving. 

The  boys  brought  in  a  supply  of  figs,  which  they  had  picked  up 
during  the  day,  and  these  formed  an  excellent  dessert. 

We  had,  however,  scarcely  finished  supper  before  one  after 
another  began  to  yawn;  and  at  last,  after  a  short  prayer,  I  sent 
my  wife  and  the  children  to  their  hammocks,  which  hung  from 
the  arched  roots. 

Then  I  lighted  the  wood  which  lay  around  us,  and  prepared 
to  watch  the  fire  all  night.  Presently  from  the  hammocks 
came  sounds  of  murmuring  and  woe.  I  inquired  the  cause,  ! 
and  was  told  that  to  lie  in  a  hammock  was  like  being  in  a  sack 
— they  could  move  neither  hand  nor  foot,  and  that  it  was 
dreadful. 

I  laughed  at  their  complaints,  and  told  them  how  to  place 
themselves  more  comfortably.  i 

"Lay  yourselves  across,"   I   cried,   "from  one   corner  to  the 
other,  wrap  yourselves  in  the  bed-covering,  and  you  will  soon  be  : 
asleep.     If  a  sailor  can  sleep  in  a  hammock,  I  should  think  a 
young  Swiss  boy  ought  to  be  able  to  do  so." 

After  a  few  sighs  and  attempts  to  place  themselves  rightly 
all  became  tranquil,  and  before  long  I  knew,  by  their  gentle 
breathing,  that  my  children  were  in  the  arms  of  sleep;  but  I 
slept  not. 

During  the  early  part  of  the  night  I  was  very  restless.     I  could  I 
not  satisfy  myself  of  our  security  from  danger.     From  time  to 
time,  if  one  of  the  logs  of  wood  burned  out,  I  lighted  another.     At 
first  it  seemed  easy  to  descend  from  my  hammock;  but  after 
midnight  I  felt  so  unwilling  to  move  that  I  contented  myself  with 

["8]  fj 


ROBINSON 


ROBINSON 

merely  looking  over  to  see  if  all  was  in  order.  At  last,  toward 
morning,  sleep  overpowered  me  so  completely  that  I  did  not 
awake  till  late  in  the  day,  and  found  that  my  wife  and  the  boys 
had  left  their  hammocks  and  were  busily  employed  in  preparing 
breakfast. 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XI 

A   CASTLE    IN   THE    AIR 

N  descending  from  my  hammock  after  that  anxious 
L  night,  I  found  that  my  wife,  when  she  had  milked 
the  cow  and  attended  to  the  animals,  had  harnessed 
the  ass  with  the  straps  she  had  made  the  day  pre- 
vious, in  readiness  for  a  journey  to  the  beach,  as  she 
intended  to  fetch  the  planks  and  beams  for  erecting  our  house 
in  the  tree. 

After  breakfast  and  our  morning  prayers,  she  proposed  to  take 
the  younger  boys,  Ernest,  Jack,  and  Frank,  with  her  for  this  pur- 
pose, while  I  and  Fritz  were  making  all  the  measurements  and 
preparations  in  the  tree. 

I  hesitated  at  first  to  allow  her  to  undertake  such  heavy  work; 
but  as  she  said  truly  it  would  save  time,  and  with  the  help  of  the 
ass  and  the  assistance  of  the  three  boys  there  would  be  no  dif- 
ficulty, i 
As  soon  as  they  had  started  Fritz  and  I  ascended  the  tree,  and 
found  that  the  centre  of  the  trunk  from  which  the  curving  branches 
sprang  was  in  every  way  suitable  for  our  purpose.  These  branches 
were  strong,  thick,  and  close  together,  and  near  the  trunk,  before 
they  bent  downward,  almost  horizontal  for  a  considerable  length; 
I  decided,  therefore,  to  use  these  as  beams  for  a  flooring. 

On  the  upper  branches,  at  about  five  or  six  feet  above  us,  I 
determined  to  hang  our  hammocks,  and  over  those  a  little  higher 
up  to  stretch  a  large  piece  of  sail-cloth  as  a  ceiling  and  roof  for  our 
aerial  castle. 

The  space  between  the  sail-cloth  and  the  floor  I  cleared  by  cut- 

[122] 


ROBINSON 

ting  away  branches  that  grew  across  it,  and  by  the  time  my  wife 
and  the  boys  returned  with  their  first  load  everything  was  in 
readiness. 

By  the  means  of  a  pulley  and  a  rope,  which  I  had  fastened  to  a 
branch  the  night  before,  we  were  able  to  draw  up  piece  by  piece 
the  wood  suitable  for  our  flooring. 

To  make  it  secure  I  placed  double  planks,  and  when  this  was 
completed  Fritz  and  I  erected,  with  pieces  of  wood  of  about  three 
feet  long,  a  hand-rail  all  round  it,  forming  an  enclosure  which  al- 
ready appeared  like  a  room,  though  without  as  yet  walls  or  ceiling, 
excepting  those  formed  by  the  foliage  of  the  tree. 

The  whole  morning  was  occupied  in  this  work,  my  wife  and  the 
boys  having  in  the  mean  time  brought  up  three  loads  of  planks 
and  beams  from  the  beach. 

No  one  had  even  thought  of  dinner,  so  we  were  obliged  to 
be  satisfied  for  this  time  with  the  cold  remains  of  last  night's 
supper. 

After  our  repast  we  returned  to  our  work  in  the  tree,  and,  sling- 
ing up  the  hammocks  on  the  branches,  prepared  to  raise  the  sail- 
cloth over  all  as  a  ceiling.  This  was  a  far  more  difficult  task,  and 
but  for  the  help  of  the  pulley,  which  we  had  to  move  for  the 
purpose,  would  never  have  been  accomplished. 

At  length  to  our  great  joy  we  succeeded  and  managed  to  draw 
it  over  the  upper  branches;  and  then,  by  fastening  the  corners  to 
our  hand-rail  on  three  sides,  we  were  able  to  leave  the  fourth  side 
uncovered  as  a  means  of  entrance  and  light;  and  thus  before  sunset 
this  wonderful  resting-place  in  the  tree  was  completed  to  our  great 
satisfaction. 

When  Fritz  and  I  at  last  desisted  from  our  work,  and  descended 
the  rope  ladder,  we  found  several  small  planks  which  I  thought 
would  be  suitable  for  a  table  and  two  benches.  Tired  as  I  was,  I 
at  once  set  to  work,  and  by  nailing  the  planks  on  the  highest  parts 
of  the  roots  for  a  table,  and  on  the  lower  curves  for  benches,  I 
succeeded  in  forming  a  most  useful  addition  to  our  arrangements. 

[123] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Throwing  myself  at  last  on  one  of  the  benches  I  had  just  fin- 
ished, I  wiped  the  perspiration  from  my  forehead,  and  said, 

"Dear  wife,  I  am  really  tired  of  this  hard  work,  and  I  mean  to 
rest  all  day  to-morrow." 

"You  not  only  can  rest,"  she  replied,  "but  it  will  be  your  duty 
to  do  so.  I  have  been  calculating  the  days,  and  I  find  that  to 
morrow  will  be  Sunday.  We  have  already  passed  one  without 
keeping  it,  for  you  were  hard  at  work  on  the  wreck." 

"I  am  indeed  thankful  to  hear  such  good  news,"  I  replied;! 
"and  to-morrow  the  day  shall  be  properly  remembered.  Indeed,] 
now  that  we  are  settled  and,  for  a  few  months,  in  comparative 
safety,  it  would  be  ungrateful  in  us  not  to  lift  up  our  hearts  in 
thankfulness  to  God  for  His  protection  hitherto,  and  to  render  to 
Him  more  service  on  His  day  than  our  daily  prayers." 

**I  shall  rejoice,  indeed,"  replied  my  wife,  "for  this  day  of  rest 
without  trouble  or  anxiety.  The  aerial  castle  which  you  appear 
to  have  so  solidly  constructed  takes  away  my  greatest  fear  and 
deserves  my  warmest  thanks,  dear  husband.  I  mean  to-night,  for 
the  first  time,  to  venture  to  mount  to  our  new  sleeping-quarters, 
for  at  least  we  shall  be  safer  from  the  attacks  of  jackals  or  other 
wild  beasts.  We  need  not  tell  the  children  to-night  about  to- 
morrow being  Sunday,"  she  added;  "it  will  be  such  a  pleasant 
surprise  to  them.  And  now  supper  must  be  ready.  Will  you  call 
the  boys  while  I  prepare  it  on  our  new  table  .?" 

In  a  few  moments  they  eagerly  answered  the  call,  and  then 
the  mother  appeared  with  a  large  earthen  pot,  which  seemed 
to  contain  a  mystery — quickly  solved,  however,  as  she  removed 
the  cover  and  drew  from  it  with  a  fork  the  flamingo  shot  by 
Fritz. 

"I  intended  to  roast  it,"  she  said,  "but  Ernest  reminded  me 
that  it  was  no  doubt  old  and  tough,  so  I  have  stewed  it." 

The  idea  of  the  young  scholar  advising  his  mother  on  the 
subject  of  cookery  greatly  amused  us,  but  we  found  the  ad- 
vantage of  his  advice,  for  the  stewed  flamingo  was  so  palatable 

[»4] 


ROBINSON 


ROBINSON 

that  we  ate  it  with  extreme  reHsh,  every  bone  being  picked 
clean. 

While  we  were  at  supper  we  were  pleased  to  see  the  wounded 
flamingo  mixing  in  a  most  friendly  manner  with  our  poultry,  who 
came  as  usual  to  beg  for  crumbs.  We  had  found  him  already  so 
tame  that  during  the  afternoon  I  gave  him  his  liberty.  It  was 
very  amusing  to  see  him  walking  about  quite  gravely,  and  making 
no  attempt  to  run  away. 

Even  the  little  monkey  was  overcommg  his  shyness,  and  amused 
us  with  a  thousand  grimaces.  He  was  not  forgotten  by  the  boys, 
who  laughingly  rewarded  him  for  his  tricks  now  and  then  with 
some  nice  little  pieces  from  their  own  share. 

We  had  nearly  finished  supper  when  our  sow,  which  had  not 
been  seen  all  day,  came  to  pay  us  a  visit.  Her  friendly  grunt 
seemed  to  express  her  pleasure  at  having  found  us  again.  My 
wife,  after  milking  the  cow  and  supplying  the  boys  with  their  usual 
quantity,  gave  the  remainder  to  the  sow,  hoping  to  attract  the 
animal  to  remain  near  us.  I  felt  inclined  to  find  fault  with  this 
apparent  waste;  but  she  said,  rightly,  that  as  we  had  not  enough 
vessels  in  which  to  preserve  the  milk,  it  was  better  to  obtain  it 
only  as  we  required  it;  and  if  the  supply  was  greater  than  we 
needed,  to  give  it  to  the  animals,  for  in  such  a  climate  it  would 
quickly  turn  sour. 

"Besides,"  she  continued,  *'I  am  able  by  this  to  save  the  salt 
and  grain,  which  is  decreasing  very  fast.  By  and  by  we  may  be- 
come clever  enough  to  make  butter  and  cheese,  and  construct 
vessels  to  hold  the  milk." 

"Salt  is  easily  obtained  from  the  rocks,"  I  said;  "and  on  our 
next  voyage  to  the  wreck  we  can  bring  you  plenty  of  grain." 

"Oh,  dear!"  she  exclaimed,  "always  that  dreadful  ship!  There 
will  be  no  peace  for  me  till  those  voyages  are  over!  I  am  in 
agonies  all  the  while  you  and  the  boys  are  away." 

"But,  my  dear,"  I  replied,  "there  is  no  necessity  for  such  ex- 
cessive fear  on  your  part.     I  should  not  venture  unless  weather 

[127] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

and  sea  and  sky  are  quite  calm.  And  while  the  way  is  open  for 
us  to  save  so  many  useful  things  which  still  remain  on  the  vessel, 
we  ought  not  in  our  present  position  to  neglect  it." 

While  we  thus  conversed  the  boys  lighted  a  fire  round  our  tree, 
to  protect  not  only  ourselves,  but  the  animals,  who  again  sought 
shelter  under  the  roots.  Indeed,  we  were  all  ready  for  sleep  and 
rest.  The  three  elder  boys  ascended  the  ladder  with  lightning 
speed.  Their  mother  followed  slowly  and  not  without  some  fear, 
but  she  arrived  safely  at  last. 

Little  Frank  still  remained;  and  after  unfastening  the  lower  end 
of  the  rope  ladder  from  the  roots,  that  I  might  draw  it  up  after 
me,  I  took  the  little  one  on  my  back  and  prepared  to  ascend. 

Our  double  weight  caused  the  unfastened  ladder  to  swing 
slightly  in  the  air,  and  rendered  the  ascent  difficult. 

Happily,  however,  we  reached  the  top  in  safety,  and,  to  the 
great  satisfaction  of  the  children,  drew  up  the  ladder  after  me; 
and  they  declared  that  they  could  fancy  themselves  in  a  knight's 
castle  of  olden  feudal  times,  with  the  drawbridge  raised  as  a  pro- 
tection from  the  enemy. 

After  the  tranquillity  of  the  preceding  night  I  felt  it  unnecessary 
to  worry  myself  about  keeping  up  the  fire.  We  provided  ourselves 
however,  with  firearms,  that  we  might  be  ready  to  assist  our  watch- 
ful dogs  in  case  of  alarm.  I  laid  myself  to  rest  in  peace;  indeed, 
we  were  all  so  fatigued  that  in  a  very  few  minutes  we  were  sleep- 
ing sweetly  in  our  hammocks,  and  did  not  wake  till  the  sun  was 
high  in  the  heavens.  I 

After  such  a  night  of  refreshing  sleep  the  boys  arose  full  of 
spirits,  and  inquired,  eagerly: 

"What  are  we  going  to  do  to-day,  papa  .?" 

"Nothing,  my  boys;  not  a  single  stroke  of  work." 

"Ah,  dear  papa,  you  are  joking!"  cried  one.  "You  are  making 
fun  of  us!" 

"No,  children,"  I  replied,  "I  am  not  joking;  it  is  Sunday  to- 
day, and  we  will  keep  it  properly." 

[128] 


ROBINSON 

"Sunday!"  cried  Jack;  "that,  is  good  news.  I  can  use  my 
bow  and  arrow,  take  a  walk,  or  be  lazy,  just  as  I  please." 

"That  is  a  very  improper  speech,  my  boy,"  I  said.  "Sunday 
is  God's  day,  which  He  has  fixed  for  us  to  worship  Him,  serve 
Him,  and  offer  Him  thanks." 

"But,  papa,"  said  little  Frank,  "there  is  no  church  here;  so  we 
cannot  go  and  hear  the  sermon,  or  listen  to  the  organ  playing." 

"Just  as  if  our  father  couldn't  preach  us  a  sermon,  or  help  us 
to  sing  without  an  organ!"  said  Jack. 

"Quite  true,  my  child,"  I  replied;  "and  you  know  that  God  is 
everywhere,  and  if  we  sincerely  wish  to  serve  and  praise  Him  and 
to  do  His  will,  we  can  do  so  amid  the  beauties  of  nature  and 
beneath  the  blue  vault  of  heaven,  which  He  has  created,  quite  as 
acceptably  as  in  the  most  splendid  cathedral  made  by  man.  And 
now  let  us  consider  seriously  what  we  are  about  to  do.  First 
we  will  sing  a  hymn  and  offer  our  morning  prayers,  and  then  I  will 
relate  to  you  a  parable." 

"A  parable!     Oh,  a  parable  from  the  Bible,  papa  ?" 

"My  boys,  we  have  not  a  Bible  yet;  but  I  hope  in  my  next 
visit  to  the  ship  to  bring  away  a  box  of  books  from  the  captain's 
cabin,  and  no  doubt  a  Bible  is  among  them." 

I  saw  Ernest's  eyes  sparkle  at  the  idea  of  having  books,  but  he 
did  not  speak,  and  as  I  knelt  to  offer  our  prayers  and  thanksgivings 
to  God  for  His  merciful  care,  the  boys  followed  my  example  in 
silence. 

Then  we  sang  one  or  two  hymns  which  we  all  knew  by  heart, 
and,  my  wife  and  the  boys  seating  themselves  on  the  ground 
beneath  our  tree,  I  related  to  them  my  parable. 

"the  colonists  of  a  great  king 

"Once  upon  a  time  there  lived  a  great  Monarch,  a  portion  of 
whose  kingdom  was  entitled  the  'Realms  of  Reality,  or  the  Day,' 
because  there  the  purest  and  brightest  light  shone  continually,  and 

[129] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

darkness  was  unknown.     There  also  existed  no  idleness,  but  all 
the  inhabitants  were  active  and  constantly  employed. 

"Upon  the  distant  frontiers  of  this  country,  and  on  the  northern 
coast,  was  another  division  of  the  Great  King's  dominions,  so 

extensive  that  none 
could  imagine  or  de- 
scribe its  boundaries; 
yet  in  the  eternal  ar- 
chives a  plan  had  been 
preserved  known  only 
to  the  King  himself. 

"This  second  do- 
minion was  entitled 
the  '  Kingdom  of  In- 
sensibility, or  Dark- 
ness/ because  all  who 
dwelled  in  it  were  in 
a  state  of  gloom  and 
inactivity. 

"In  the  most  fertile 
and    most    agreeable- 
portion  of  the  'Kingdom  of  Day'  the  Great  King  had  a  palace, 
situated  in  a  beautiful  place  named  the  'Celestial  City.' 

"Here  he  dwelled  and  held  his  court,  which  was  more  brilliant 
than  imagination  can  form  any  idea  of.     Amid  his  guards  and  his. 
servants  exalted  in  dignity  who  were  around  him,  the  Great  King 
sat,  while  each  waited  to  receive  his  orders,  and  to  obey  them  with 
pleasure  and  delight. 

"Those  of  his  attendants  who  were  highest  in  office  were  clothed 
in  robes  of  a  texture  as  soft  as  silk  and  white  as  the  snow,  for  white, 
the  image  of  purity,  was  a  favorite  hue  with  the  Great  King. 
Others  carried  in  their  hands  two-edged  swords  that  glittered  in 
the  light,  and  their  attire  presented  all  the  beautiful  colors  of  the 
rainbow.     Each  and  all  of  these  royal  servants  held  themselves  in 

[130] 


ROBINSON 

readiness  to  perform  the  will  of  their  Great  Ruler,  at  the  first  signal, 
and  with  the  rapidity  of  lightning. 

"Their  happiness  was  increased  when  admitted  to  his  presence, 
and  their  countenances,  resplendent  with  sweet  joy,  bore  the  im- 
press of  peaceful  calm  and  serenity. 

"All  sin,  all  uneasiness  and  trouble,  were  absent;  between  them 
was  one  heart  and  one  mind,  a  fraternal  regard  for  one  another 
uniting  them  in  one  bond  of  union,  and  entirely  preventing  rivalry 
or  jealousy. 

"The  rest  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  'Celestial  City,'  as  well  as 

I  others  who  were  not  so  closely  associated  with  their  Monarch, 

j'were   still  good,   loyal,   and   happy,   for  they  were  enriched   by 

benefits  from  the  Great  King,  and  received  without  ceasing  marks 

of  his  goodness;  for  all  his  subjects  are  equal  in  his  eyes,  and  he 

loves  and  treats  them  as  his  children. 

"Besides  these  great  countries,  the  Great  King  had  a  large  and 

ii  uninhabited  island  belonging  to  his  dominions,  which  he  desired 

to  cultivate,  for  at  present  it  was  a  species  of  chaos  or  confusion. 

"This  island  he  had  destined  to  be  for  some  years  the  residence 
of  a  number  of  his  citizens  in  the  'Land  of  Darkness,'  whom  he 
intended  after  a  few  years  to  receive  into  the  'Celestial  City,'  if 
they  rendered  themselves  worthy  of  such  an  honor  by  their 
obedience  and  good  conduct. 

"This  island  was  to  be  their  terrestrial  home  for  a  certain  time, 
to  give  them  an  opportunity  of  obtaining  such  a  glorious  reward. 

"To  carry  out  this  intention,  the  Great  King  equipped  a  fleet  of 
ships  to  convey  these  new  colonists  to  the  terrestrial  island  from 
the  'Land  of  Darkness,'  and  thus  awarded  to  them  as  his  first 
benefit  the  enjoyment  of  the  beautiful  light  of  nature,  to  them 
hitherto  unknown. 

"We  can  imagine  what  pleasure  this  afforded  them,  especially 
when  their  eyes  became  accustomed  to  the  light,  and  the  objects 
it  disclosed.  They  knew  also  that  the  opportunity  of  being  ad- 
mitted to  the  'Celestial  City'  was  now  open  to  them,  and  what 

[131] 


TfiE  SWISS  FAMILY 

was  required  by  the  King — to  cultivate  the  land  and  render  it 
fertile,  never  to  relax  in  their  efforts  for  this  purpose,  and  strictly 
to  obey  his  commands. 

"To  assist  them  in  their  duties,  each  received  on  arriving  at  the 
island  a  portion  of  ground  for  himself,  and  all  the  necessary  tools 
and  implements  required  in  his  work;  and  at  various  times  instruc- 
tion was  given  to  all  by  the  Great  King's  messengers,  who  were 
sent  as  teachers  and  guides. 

"All  the  colonists  seemed  quite  ready  to  obey  the  commands 
of  the  Sovereign  at  first,  and  made  the  most  earnest  promises 
of  fulfilling  the  purpose  for  which  they  were  placed  on  the 
island. 

"  But  this  state  of  things  did  not  last  long;  many  became  idle  and 
indifi^erent,  neglected  their  fields  and  gardens,  sowed  inferior  grain, 
or  allowed  weeds  to  grow  which  choked  the  flowers  in  their  growth, 
lost  their  tools,  and  altogether  forgot  to  obey  the  commands  of  the 
Great   King. 

"In  vain  the  King's  messengers  warned  them  that  they  would  be 
sent  back  to  the  'Land  of  Darkness,'  and  punished  for  their  con- 
duct; the  rebellious  colonists  would  not  listen;  and  at  last  the  day 
arrived  when  the  King  required  an  account  of  their  doings,  and 
came  himself  to  pass  judgment  upon  them. 

"All  their  excuses  then  were  of  no  avail;  the  disobedient  were 
condemned  to  banishment  to  the  'Land  of  Darkness,'  while  those 
who  had  obeyed  the  King's  commands  accompanied  him  back  to 
the  'Celestial  City,'  and  became  either  happy  citizens  or  were  ad- 
mitted as  members  of  the  royal  household,  and  raised  to  positions 
higher  or  lower  according  to  the  pleasure  of  the  Great  King." 

I  paused  as  I  finished  my  parable,  and  asked  Fritz: 
"Well,  Fritz,  what  strikes  you  most  strongly  in  this  allegory  V 
"The  goodness  of  the  Great  King,  papa,  and  the  ingratitude  of 
the  colonists." 

"And  you,  Ernest?" 

[132] 


ROBINSON 

"Why,  papa,  I  think  they  were  most  fooHsh  people  to  act  as 
they  did,  when  they  knew  what  an  agreeable  Hfe  they  might  have 
in  the  'Celestial  City,'  if  they  were  obedient." 

"If  I  had  been  there,"  said  little  Frank,  "I  would  have  tried  to 
deserve  those  beautiful  dresses  like  the  rainbow.  Ah,  how  grand 
they  must  be!" 

"Ah,  my  children,"  I  said,  "I  have  tried  to  represent  to  you 
in  this  allegory  the  conduct  of  God  toward  men,  and  their  be- 
havior toward  God.  You  know  we  are  placed  here  on  earth  by 
God  as  His  colonists;  we  know  that  we  shall  be  judged  by  Him 
at  the  last  day;  and  those  who  have  done  good  will  be  received 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  those  who  have  done  evil  will  be 
sent  into  eternal  darkness.  We  have  to  cultivate  the  mind  and  the 
soul,  and  to  root  up  all  those  weeds  of  pride,  envy,  hatred,  angry 
passions,  disobedience  to  parents,  and  many  other  wrong  inclina- 
tions to  which  grown  people  as  well  as  children  are  liable,  and  if 
these  are  not  conquered  or  uprooted  we  cannot  expect  to  be 
admitted  even  as  citizens  to  the  'Celestial  City.'" 

With  these  words  and  a  short,  earnest  prayer,  I  closed  the  ser- 
vices of  this  our  new  Sunday  worship. 

For  a  time  our  young  people  appeared  to  be  thinking  seriously 
1  over  what  they  had  heard,  and  asking  one  another  questions,  and 
at  last  they  dispersed  in  different  directions. 

I  noticed,  however,  that  they  were  unsettled  and  at  a  loss  for 

I  employment;  and,  remembering  that  we  had  on  this  island  no 

books  or  Sunday-schools  or  places  of  worship   to  engage   their 

attention,  I  called  them  round  me,  and  told  them  they  might 

employ  the  rest  of  the  day  in  innocent  recreations,  which  would 

be  less  sinful  in  the  sight  of  God  than  idleness,  quarrelling,  or 

waste  of  time.     They  were  at  liberty,  therefore,  to  choose  their 

own   favorite   occupations.     Little   Frank   came   to   me   at  once 

'  with  a  request  that,  as  he  was  not  allowed  to  have  a  gun,  he  might 

I  try  to  shoot  with  a  bow  and  arrow,  and  asked  me  to  make  a  little 

one  for  him. 

[  133  ] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

I  could  not  refuse  him;  but  first  I  had  to  grant  Jack  permission 
to  let  him  try  to  use  my  large  bow,  and  also  to  fix  on  the  tips  of 
the  arrows  some  porcupines'  quills  as  points. 

I  acceded  to  his  request,  and  showed  him  how  to  fill  the  reeds 
with  sand  and  bind  the  points  strongly  with  packthread. 

*'  It  would  increase  their  strength  if  you  could  glue  them  on  as 
well,"  I  said. 

**  I  wish  I  only  knew  where  they  sold  glue  in  this  country,"  he 
replied,  with  a  laugh;  "I  would  soon  go  and  buy^llsome." 

"Ask  mamma  for  one  of  those  preserved  soup  tablets,"  said 
Frank.     "She  says  it  sticks  to  the  fingers  just  like  glue." 

"What!"  cried  Jack;  "do  you,  with  your  little  empty  head, 
know  better  than  we  do  .?" 

"The  idea  is  not  bad,"  I  said;  "and  we  should  listen  to  good 
hints  from  whatever  source  they  may  come.  Many  famous  in- 
ventions owe  their  origin  to  sources  even  more  simple  than  the 
suggestion  of  little  Frank.  Go  and  fetch  one  of  the  tablets.  We 
can  boil  it  in  a  cocoanut-shell,  and  discover  what  is  the  result." 

While  Jack  was  making  this  experiment,  came  Fritz  with  a  re- 
quest that  I  would  show  him  how  to  proceed  with  his  knife-and- 
fork  case,  which  he  wished  to  construct  of  the  skin  of  the  margay. 
I  advised  him  first  to  clean  it  thoroughly,  and  then  at  length 
seated  myself  on  the  grass  to  cut  out  and  make  a  bow  and  arrows 
for  little  Frank. 

While  thus  employed,  I  reflected  on  the  advantage  it  would  be 
to  my  sons  if  they  were  able  while  young  to  use  these  weapons,  for 
sooner  or  later  our  powder  might  fail,  and  then  our  means  of  ob- 
taining food  in  one  way  would  be  lost.  If  the  children  of  the  wild 
Indians  at  a  very  early  age  could  bring  down  birds  with  arrows 
from  the  tops  of  high  trees  at  a  distance  of  thirty  or  forty  paces, 
why  should  not  mine  acquire  the  same  skill  with  similar  practice  ^ 

While  thus  reflecting,  and  busy  at  the  bow  and  arrows  for  little 
Frank,  Ernest  passed  us;  and  as  at  the  same  moment  Fritz  showed 
me  the  wet  skin  of  the  tiger-cat,  I  did  not  notice  which  way  he  went. 

['34] 


ROBINSON 

While  I  was  giving  new  directions  to  Fritz  about  the  case,  his 
mother  said: 

"I  think  we  should  be  very  careful  of  the  captain's  silver  knife, 
fork,  and  spoon;  and  if  I  were  you,  Fritz,  I  would  not  wear  the 
case  in  my  girdle,  for  fear  of  losing  it." 

"But  we  saved  it!"  cried  Jack.  "It  would  most  likely  have 
been  lost  in  the  wreck  else;  so  it  would  be  silly  to  give  it  back." 

"That  may  be  your  childish  opinion.  Jack,  my  boy,"  said  I, 
"but  it  would  be  by  no  means  honest." 

At  this  moment  we  heard  a  shot  fired  above  our  heads,  and 
suddenly  at  our  feet  fell  two  dead  birds. 

Half  angry  and  half  alarmed,  I  looked  up,  and  there  stood 
Ernest  at  the  fence  of  our  tree-castle  sleeping-apartment,  and 
crying  out,  triumphantly: 

"There!  there!     Have  I  not  aimed  well?     Isn't  that  a  good 

shot  r 

He  came  down  the  rope  ladder  with  unusual  haste  as  he  spoke, 
and  ran  with  Frank  to  pick  up  his  prey,  which  he  brought  to  me. 
I  found  that  one  of  the  birds  was  a  kind  of  thrush,  and  the  other 
a  species  of  small  pigeon  named  by  the  ancients  the  ortolan,  and 
highly  appreciated  as  a  delicacy  on  account  of  its  fat  and  exquisite 
flavor. 

I  advised  the  boys  not  to  shoot  any  more  at  present,  as  the 
wild  figs  when  ripe  would  attract  large  flocks  of  these  birds,  and 
provide  for  us  a  new  and  agreeable  means  of  subsistence.  The 
ortolans,  if  placed  in  casks  with  melted  butter  poured  over  them, 
will  keep  good  for  a  length  of  time. 

Very  pleasant,  also,  was  it  to  reflect  that  the  figs  would  supply  a 
large  quantity  of  food  for  our  chickens  and  pigeons,  for  I  con- 
cluded rightly  that  they  would  eat  the  fruit  which  was  so  alluring 
to  wild  birds.  I  spoke  of  this  to  my  wife  when  I  took  her  the 
two  birds  which  Ernest  had  shot  to  be  prepared  for  our  dinner, 
and  she  was  as  thankful  as  I  was  at  one  anxiety  being  thus  partly 
removed. 

[  135  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XII 


THE    VISIT   TO   ZELTHEIM 


1 

m 

HILE  waiting  for  dinner,  Jack  was  eagerly  trying  his 
bow  and  arrows,  and  shooting  in  every  direction.  I 
had  already  completed  a  small  bow  and  arrows  for 
little  Frank;  but  when  I  hoped  to  be  able  to  rest,  he 
came  to  me  with  an  earnest  request  that  I  would 

also  make  him  a  quiver. 

"You  know,  papa,"  said  the  little  man,  '*it  is  quite  as  proper  to 

have  a  quiver  for  the  arrows  as  a  powder  and  shot  pouch  for  a 

I  gave  way  to  his  wish,  and,  stripping  some  flexible  bark  from 
the  branch  of  a  tree,  I  glued  it  together  in  the  form  of  a  quiver, 
which  I  hung  across  his  shoulder,  to  his  great  delight. 

When  I  had  finished  this,  Fritz  appeared  with  his  tiger-cat's 
skin  and  another  inquiry;  but  as  at  this  moment  the  mother 
called  us  to  dinner,  the  boys  gladly  threw  aside  their  various 
employments  to  seat  themselves  at  the  table.  During  the  meal 
I  made  a  proposition  which  I  thought  would  be  quite  to  their 
taste. 

"My  boys,"  I  said,  "would  it  not  be  very  convenient  if  we  were 
to  give  names  suitable  to  the  different  spots  we  have  visited  since 
we  landed  here  ^  We  do  not  know  the  real  name  of  the  country, 
nor  whether  it  has  been  already  visited  by  some  clever  traveller 
who  has  named  it  and  placed  the  name  on  a  map.  But  we  can  do 
this  to  those  spots  in  which  we  have  taken  shelter,  or  where  any- 
thing remarkable  has  been  discovered  by  us;  so  that  in  future  we 
may  understand  one  another  when  speaking  of  them.     In  time, 

(136]  i 


i 


i 


ROBIN  SO  N 

also,  we  may  fancy  ourselves  in  a  country  well  inhabited,  and  in 
places  which  we  have  known  for  a  long  time." 

"Oh,"  cried  Jack,  "what  a  capital  plan!  Where  shall  we  begin 
— at  the  bay  in  which  we  first  landed  ?" 

"That  should  be  named  'Oyster  Bay,'  cried  Fritz;  "don't  you 
remember  the  quantity  of  oysters  we  found  ?" 

"No,"  said  Jack,  '"Crab's  Bay'  would  be  the  best,  because  one 
caught  hold  of  my  leg  while  we  were  there." 

"  I  think,"  said  hk  mother,  "we  ought  to  prove  our  thankfulness 
to  God  for  saving  us  by  calling  it  'Deliverance  Bay.'" 

This  name  was  highly  approved  of  by  all,  and  then  I  proposed 
that  our  first  resting-place  should  be  called  Zeltheitn,  or  our  "Tent 
Home";  the  isle  at  the  entrance  to  the  bay,  upon  which  we  had 
found  die  dead  shark,  was  to  be  named  Haifif  chins  el  (Shark's 
Island);  and  the  marsh  where  Fritz  had  killed  a  flamingo i^/aman/ 
Ziimpf  (Flamingo  Marsh). 

"And  now,'"  I  asked,  "v/hat  title  shall  we  give  to  our  aerial 
castle  ?" 

Many  names  were  proposed,  but  mine  at  last  set  all  others  aside. 
I  I  decided   that  FaJkonhiirst   (Falcon's  Nest)  was    far   the   most 
appropriate,  as  well  as  being  a  poetical  name. 

It  was  easy  to  give  names  to  the  remaining  places  after  this. 

The  promontory  on  which  Fritz  and  I  looked  in  vain  for  any  traces 

of  our  fellow-passengers  we  named  "False  Hope  Point,"  and  the 

river  near  our  tent  home,  where  the  jackals  fought  with  our  brave 

.  dogs,  "Jackal  River." 

I      After  this  arrangement  was  completed,  dinner  being  ended,  we 
each  returned  to  our  work.     While  Fritz  proceeded  to  finish  his 
skin  case.  Jack  came  to  ask  my  assistance  in  making  a  coat  of  mail 
;  for  Turk  out  of  the  skin  of  the  porcupine. 

I  I  first  showed  him  how  to  clean  it  with  sand  and  ashes,  then  I 
assisted  him  in  cutting  out  and  forming  bands  of  the  prickly  skin. 
The  inner  side,  while  only  half  dry,  was  placed  on  the  back  of  the 
patient  Turk,  and  fastened  round  his  body.     Thus  attired,  he  pre- 

'  [137] 


TfiE  SWISS  FAMILY 

sented  a  most  remarkable  appearance;  and  in  such  armor  it 
seemed  as  if  not  even  a  hyaena  would  be  able  to  overpower  him. 

Floss,  however,  greatly  disapproved  of  Turk's  attire;  for  if  he 
approached  near  her,  or  attempted  any  playfulness,  the  points  of 
the  quills  pricked  her  so  sharply  that  she  howled  with  pain,  and 
kept  at  a  respectful  distance.  I  therefore  removed  the  coat  of 
mail  from  Turk's  back,  until  another  could  be  made  for  his  com- 
rade, and  desired  the  boys  only  to  put  them  on  at  night,  or  when 
any  danger  of  attacks  from  wild  beasts  rendered  it  necessary. 

Jack  decided  to  make  a  cap  for  himself  out  of  the  porcupine's 
skin,  as  well  as  Floss's  coat  of  mail,  so  he  stretched  the  remainder 
over  the  roots  of  the  tree  to  dry,  that  it  might  be  ready  when  he 
had  leisure  to  use  it  in  making  these  articles. 

Meanwhile,  Ernest  and  Frank  were  busy  with  their  bows  and 
arrows,  and  becoming  quite  expert,  sometimes  assisted  by  Fritz  and 
Jack;  but  as  the  afternoon  passed  away,  and  the  heat  became  less 
oppressive,  I  invited  my  family  to  accompany  me  in  a  walk. 

"Let  us  give  up  amusing  ourselves,"  I  said,  "and  close  the 
day  suitably  by  enjoying  the  freedom  of  nature,  and  tracing  the 
goodness  and  wisdom  of  its  Creator.  Which  road  shall  we  j 
take  .?" 

"To  Zeltheim,  I  think,"  said  Jack;  "for  we  shall  want  more 
powder  and  shot  by  and  by,  to  enable  us  to  lay  up  a  store  of 
those  beautiful  birds  on  the  fig-trees."  ■ 

"And  I  vote  for  Zeltheim,  also,"  said  his  mother.  "Our  butter 
is  nearly  all  gone,  Fritz  has  used  so  much  for  his  tanning  per- 
formances, and  the  young  gentleman  endeavored  to  persuade  me 
that  to  use  good  and  savory  fat  for  cooking  was  much  more  , 
economical  than  using  butter."  g| 

"Ah,  yes!"  said  Ernest;  "and  if  we  could  manage  to  bring  over 
a  few  ducks  and  geese  from  the  brook,  that  would  be  capital!" 

"Your  reasons  are  all  of  importance,"  I  said,  "so  we  will  turn  j 
our  steps  toward  Zeltheim;  not  by  the  old  way  on  the  beach, 
however;   we  must  try  to  find  a  new  route  in  the  shadow  of  the 

[138] 


I 


ROBINSON 


FOTXOWED  ME  CLOSELY  WITH 
A  GRAVE  AND  MEASURED  STEP 


ROBINSON 

ridge  of  rocks  which  borders  our  river.  We  shall  then  be  shaded 
from  the  sun  till  we  reach  the  point  at  which  the  Jackal  Brook 
falls  over  the  pebbles  in  its  course,  and  that  is  not  far  from  Zelt- 
heim.  It  will  be  nearly  sunset  on  our  return,  and  we  can  cross 
the  bridge  and  come  back  by  the  old  road  on  the  beach.  If  we 
keep  a  good  look-out  on  the  way,  we  shall  no  doubt  make  new 
discoveries." 

My  proposal  was  greatly  approved,  and  we  were  very  quickly 
ready  to  start.  Fritz  wore  a  girdle  of  the  tiger-cat's  tail;  but  his 
knife-case  was  not  yet  completed  sufficiently  for  him  to  wear  it. 

Jack  marched  proudly  forward,  his  head  covered  with  the  half- 
finished  cap  of  the  porcupine's  skin.  We  were  all  armed  in  case 
of  danger;  even  little  Frank  carried  his  bow  in  his  hand,  and  his 
quiver  full  of  arrows  at  his  back.  My  wife  alone  was  unarmed, 
excepting  with  a  large  jar,  to  be  re-filled  with  butter  from  the  cask 
at  Zeltheim. 

Turk,  wearing  again  his  coat  of  mail,  marched  in  front,  in  a 
well-behaved  and  quiet  manner.  The  little  monkey,  who  pre- 
ferred to  ride  on  Turk's  back,  with  his  usual  fancy  for  accom- 
panying us,  sprang  to  his  accustomed  seat  before  we  could  pre- 
vent him;  but  no  sooner  did  he  feel  the  sharp  points  of  the  quills, 
than  with  surprise  and  a  terrible  outcry  he  jumped  to  the  ground, 
chattering  and  showing  his  teeth  savagely. 

He  did  not  intend,  however,  to  be  left  behind,  and  therefore, 
with  some  hesitation,  and  to  the  great  astonishment  of  Floss,  he 
leaped  on  her  back,  and  seated  himself  so  firmly  that  no  efforts  of 
the  animal  could  shake  him  off.  Floss  at  last  gave  way,  and  sub- 
mitted with  good  temper  to  her  impertinent  rider. 

I  was  still  more  amused  at  finding  that  our  good  flamingo  had 
also  joined  our  walking  party  in  the  most  familiar  manner;  and 
when  the  children  teased  him  in  play,  he  came  to  put  himself 
under  my  protection,  and  followed  me  closely  with  a  grave  and 
measured  step. 

Our  walk  by  the  brook  proved  most  unusually  agreeable.   Dur- 

[141] 


Tas  SWISS  FAMILY 

ing  the  whole  route  we  enjoyed  the  pleasant  shade  from  large 
trees  in  full  foliage,  or  from  the  ridge  of  rocks  which  extended  for 
a  long  distance  between  the  beach  and  the  stream.  The  soft  grass 
under  our  feet  formed  a  far  more  pleasant  path  than  the  pebbles 
and  sand  of  the  shore.  Altogether  the  place  was  so  attractive, 
that  my  wife  and  I  did  not  hurry  ourselves,  but  sauntered  along 
at  our  ease,  while  the  boys  rambled  hither  and  thither  in  search 
of  new  discoveries.  So  we  came  to  the  end  of  the  wood,  and  I 
was  about  to  call  my  young  people  and  collect  them  together 
before  continuing  our  way,  when  I  saw  them  approaching  at  full 
gallop,  and  this  time  the  deliberate  Ernest  arrived  first,  but  gasp- 
ing for  breath  with  joy  and  haste,  and  unable  to  utter  a  word  for 
a  few  moments  respecting  the  green  roots  which  he  held  before 
my  eyes. 

"Papa!"  he  cried  at  last,  when  he  recovered  his  voice,  "look! 
potatoes!    potatoes!" 

"What,  what,  my  boy.?"  I  exclaimed;  "that  is  too  good  news 
to  be  true,  I  fear;  but  let  me  examine  these  roots,  I  cannot 
believe  it  possible  that  you  have  really  found  such  a  precious 
fruit!" 

"I  know  they  are  potatoes,  papa,"  said  Fritz,  confidently;  "and 
Ernest  has  been  very  lucky  to  discover  such  a  valuable  plant  for 
us. 

"I  am  still  afraid,"  said  his  mother,  "there  may  be  other  plants 
in  this  country  with  bulbous  roots  resembling  potatoes.  We  are 
so  ready  to  believe  what  we  earnestly  wish  for." 

"Let  us  go  to  the  spot  in  which  Ernest  has  found  these  bulbs," 
I  said. 

And  with  eager  haste  the  boys  led  us  to  the  place.  A  few 
moments  served  to  convince  me  of  the  joyful  fact  that  a  little 
forest  of  potato  plants  in  full  flower  lay  at  our  feet;  and  humble 
as  the  flowers  might  be,  they  were  of  far  more  value  to  us  than  all 
the  roses  of  Persia.  A  portion  of  the  plants  had  run  to  seed,  in 
another  part  they  had  withered;    but  most  of  them  were  in  full 

[142] 


ROBINSON 

bloom,  and  here  and  there  young  plants  were  sprouting  from  the 
ground. 

"Oh,"  cried  Jack,  "I  knew  they  were  potatoes!  Oh,  what  a 
treat  for  us!" 

And  as  he  spoke  he  rushed  forward,  and  kneeling  down,  began 
to  scrape  away  the  earth  and  dig  the  roots  up  with  his  hands. 


Master  Monkey  instantly  sprang  upon  the  ground  and  followed 
his  example;  but  he  scraped  and  dug  more  quickly  and  cleverly 
than  Jack,  for  he  picked  out  the  most  beautiful  and  the  ripest, 
and  after  smelling  each  he  threw  it  aside,  so  that  in  a  very  short 
time  quite  a  large  heap  of  potatoes  had  been  gathered  up.  At 
last  little  Frank  took  upon  himself  the  task  of  running  after  the 
mischievous  animal,  and  drove  him  away. 

The  boys  continued  working  some  time  longer  with  their  hands 
or  a  knife  so  diligently,  that  at  last  our  sack  and  game-bag  were 
as  full  as  possible  of  the  valuable  vegetable. 

Then  we  continued  our  walk  toward  Zeltheim. 

Ernest,  however,  proposed  that  we  should  at  once  return  to 
Falcon's  Nest,  for  two  reasons:  first,  because  the  potatoes  were  a 
heavy  load;   and  secondly,  that  we  might  cook  them  for  supper, 

[■43] 


T»£  SWISS  FAMILY 

and  have  a  feast.  But  I  reminded  him  that  there  existed  still 
stronger  reasons  that  we  should  go  on  to  Zeltheim.  So  we  con- 
tinued our  walk  pleasantly  and  in  good  spirits,  in  spite  of  the 
heavy  load. 

"Children,"  I  said,  presently,  "how  can  we  thank  God  in  the 
best  way  for  all  His  benefits  to  us  ?" 

"Oh,  I  know,"  said  little  Frank;  "we  can  say  our  grace  as  we 
always  do,  'We  thank  Thee,  O  God,  for  all  Thy  gifts;  bless  them 
to  us  for  Jesus'  sake.     Amen.'" 

"Oh  no,  Franky,  that  is  not  long  enough,"  said  Fritz;  "be- 
sides, our  best  way  of  showing  our  gratitude  to  God  is  to  love 
Him  with  all  our  hearts,  and  obey  Him  cheerfully.  You  know  if 
we  said  to  papa  and  mamma,  'I  thank  you  for  all  your  kindness 
to  me,'  and  yet  were  disobedient  and  made  them  angry,  our 
words  of  thanks  would  be  useless." 

"Quite  right,  my  dear  Fritz,"  I  said;  "the  benefits  we  receive 
should  awaken  in  our  hearts  love  for  the  Giver,  and  that  love 
would  make  us  always  willing  to  serve  and  obey  His  commands. 
People  never  willingly  offend  those  whom  they  love  and  who  are 
dear  to  them." 

While  thus  conversing  we  arrived  at  the  rocky  source  from 
whence  our  little  river  rippled  softly  with  a  murmuring  sound 
over  the  pebbles,  forming  as  it  fell  a  charming  cascade.  But  to 
reach  the  Jackal  Brook  we  had  to  struggle  through  the  high  grass 
with  the  chain  of  rocks  on  our  right,  and  as  we  emerged  from  it 
a  beautiful  prospect  lay  before  us,  very  different  from  anything  we 
had  hitherto  seen.  The  face  of  the  shelving  rocky  wall  presented 
a  sight  of  wonderful  magnificence,  resembling  greatly  a  European 
conservatory.  The  ledges  and  cliffs,  like  the  shelves  of  a  hot- 
house, were  rich  in  rare  and  blooming  plants;  not,  however, 
placed  here  by  the  hand  of  man,  but  growing  wild  in  rich  luxuri- 
ance. 

There  were  tropical  plants  of  all  descriptions,  prickly  shrubs 
and  flowers  of  every  hue,  which  could  only  be  reared  in  hothouses 

[144] 


ROBINSON 

at  home:  the  Indian  fig,  the  aloe,  crested  with  white  blossoms, 
the  tall,  stately  cactus,  with  its  prickly  leaf  and  amber  flowers, 
the  creeping  plants  winding  their  tendrils  over  every  stem,  and 
spreading  perfume  around  us  from  their  many-colored  blossoms. 

But  above  all  we  were  delighted  to  find  fruit  trees,  and  among 
others,  to  our  great  joy,  the  royal  anana,  which  has  been  named 
the  king  of  fruits. 

After  this  the  boys  seemed  inclined  to  disregard  the  other  rare 
trees  and  prickly  grasses  which  grew  near,  for  they  quickly  recog- 
nized the  costly  fruit,  and  knowing  they  were  good  to  eat,  began 
to  gather  them  eagerly. 

The  monkey,  however,  was  beforehand  with  them,  and  while 
perched  on  the  tree  and  greedily  eating,  his  grimaces  and  chatter 
proved  his  delight. 

The  boys  also  devoured  the  delicious  fruit  with  such  avidity, 
that  I  found  it  necessary  to  warn  them  that  by  eating  too  many 
they  would  make  themselves  ill,  and  their  pleasure  would  be 
changed  to  pain. 

Presently  I  discovered  among  the  various  prickly-leaved  plants 
a  karatas,  a  kind  of  aloe,  partly  in  bloom,  but  chiefly  covered  with 
young  shoots.     This  plant  was  to  me  a  welcome  sight. 

"See  boys,"  I  called  out,  "this  is  a  much  more  valuable  dis- 
covery than  the  ananas.  The  under  foliage  of  this  plant  re- 
sembles the  anana,  but  the  stem  is  far  more  elegant;  observe 
how  slender  and  upright  it  grows,  and  then  what  a  beautiful 
blossom!" 

"Oh,"  exclaimed  Ernest,  "all  that  is  nothing  if  there  is  no 
fruit!  The  ananas  are  far  more  valuable,  papa;  we  will  give  up 
willingly  all  these  flowers  and  leaves  to  you,  if  we  may  keep  the 
ananas."  And  I  could  see  by  their  looks  that  all  the  rest  agreed 
with  him. 

"Greedy  boy,"  I  said,  with  a  laugh;  "you  are  like  the  rest  of 
the  world;  you  give  up  a  true  and  lasting  advantage  for  the  sake 
of  a  passing  enjoyment.     However,  we  will  talk  about  this  by- 

[145] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

and-by;  now  I  want  a  light.  Will  you  strike  one  for  me,  Ernest  ? 
The  flint  and  steel  are  here."  ^ 

"But,  papa,  there  is  no  tinder  here,  nor  a  match,"  said  Jack; 
"we  can't  get  a  light." 

"Of  course  not,"  I  said;  "but  tell  me,  Ernest,  supposing  we 
had  no  tinder,  and  our  supply  was  all  used  up,  how  should  we 
obtain  a  light  ?" 

"We  should  be  obliged  to  imitate  the  savages,  and  rub  two 
pieces  of  wood  together  till  they  caught  fire." 

"A  difficult  performance,"  I  replied,  "especially  for  those  who 
are  not  accustomed  to  it.  I  have  no  doubt  that  after  rubbing  the 
wood  together  for  a  whole  day,  you  would  not  succeed  in  getting 
a  light." 

"I  suppose,  then,  we  should  have  to  wait  patiently  till  we  found 
a  more  suitable  tree  with  the  wood  already  prepared." 

"Not  even  then,"  I  said.  "We  burn  linen  now  in  a  tinder- 
box,  but  we  cannot  continue  to  do  so  here,  for  linen  is  useful 
for  better  purposes,  and  we  have  not  more  than  we  need; 
would  it  not  be  well  for  us  to  find  our  tinder  ready  prepared 
and  growing  ?" 

With  these  words  I  broke  off  a  thin  branch  of  the  karata-tree, 
peeled  off  the  outer  bark,  took  out  the  pith,  and  then  laying  a 
piece  on  the  flint,  struck  it  with  the  steel,  and  in  a  moment  the 
new-fashioned  tinder  was  in  a  flame. 

The  boys  looked  on  astonished  for  a  few  moments,  then  they 
cried  out  joyfully: 

"Oh,  how  wonderful!     Hurrah!     Long  live  the  tinder-tree!" 

"That  is  not  the  only  use  of  this  valuable  tree,"  I  said;  "and  I 
am  glad  to  be  able  to  inform  your  mother  that  when  she  wishes 
to  mend  our  clothes,  I  can  supply  her  with  thread." 

"Ah,  indeed  that  will  be  a  treasure  to  me!"  said  my  wife.     "It 

*  This  story  was  written  in  the  German  language  long  before  lucifer  matches 
were  invented  or  known  even  in  England.  A  tinder-box  containing  half-burnt 
rag,  with  a  flint  and  steel,  and  matches  tipped  with  brimstone,  were  the  only- 
means  of  obtaining  a  light  in  those  days. 

[146] 


I 


ROBINSON 

has  troubled  me  greatly  for  a  long  time  to  have  only  packthread 
to  sew  with." 

"Your  trouble  will  be  over  now,"  I  said,  "for  in  the  leaf  of  the 
karata  is  found  all  that  you  require." 

With  this  I  split  a  leaf  in  her  presence,  and  drew  out  a  quantity 
of  very  strong  yet  beautifully  fine  thread;  certainly  not  longer 
than  the  leaf,  yet  still  long  enough  to  form  a  needleful.  These 
I  placed  in  her  hands,  to  her  great  satisfaction,  while  I  remarked 
to  the  boys: 

"You  see,  children,  it  is  not  safe  to  judge  by  appearances.  The 
karata,  which  you  despised,  proves  far  more  useful  than  the 
dainty  ananas,  which  only  tickle  the  palate." 

"Yes,"  cried  Ernest,  "I'll  own  that  now;  but  what  is  the  use 
of  all  the  other  prickly  plants  that  grow  here  in  such  abundance  r' 

"They  are  all  useful  in  some  way,  no  doubt,"  I  replied,  "al- 
though we  may  not  understand  how.  That  plantain  is  a  most 
valuable  tree,"  I  continued,  pointing  to  it  as  I  spoke;  "  it  flourishes 
best  on  dry,  barren  soil,  and  produces  the  largest  and  most  juicy 
leaves.  It  appears,  indeed,  to  derive  its  nourishment  more  from 
the  air  than  the  earth,  and  bears  a  species  of  fig,  which  in  climates 
like  this  is  very  wholesome  and  refreshing,  and  is  of  course  a 
great  advantage." 

Hardly  had  I  uttered  these  words,  when  Jack  rushed  forward  in 
haste  to  fill  his  pockets  with  the  figs;  but,  being  surrounded  by 
prickly  leaves,  the  points  of  which  ran  into  his  fingers,  rushed 
back  crying  and  shaking  his  hands  most  piteously.  I  laughed  at 
him  for  his  imprudent  haste,  while  I  drew  out  the  thorns  from  his 
fingers,  and  then  showed  him  how  to  handle  the  fruit. 

I  shook  down  a  ripe  fig  into  my  hat,  cut  with  my  knife  the  little 
sprouts  from  each  end,  then  holding  it  between  my  finger  and 
thumb  at  these  two  points,  I  pared  off  the  prickly  rind  with  my 
knife,  and  gave  a  piece  of  the  fruit  to  the  boys  to  taste,  which  they 
approved  of  most  highly. 

To  gather  some  themselves  in  this  novel  fashion  was  now  amost 

[>47] 


TSS  SWISS  FAMILY 

attractive  performance.  Fritz  stuck  one  on  a  pointed  stick,  and 
after  stripping  off  the  peel  as  he  would  from  a  radish,  politely 
offered  it  to  his  mother,  who  praised  him  for  his  attention. 

Meanwhile  Jack,  who  held  a  fig  on  the  point  of  his  knife,  was 
turning  it  round  in  every  direction  and  examining  it  attentively. 

*'Papa,"  he  said  at  last,  "there  are  such  a  lot  of  little  insects 
crawhng  about  on  this  fig,  quite  at  their  ease,  and  they  are  as  red 
as  blood." 

"Ah,  another  discovery!"  I  exclaimed;  "let  me  look  at  them. 
Why,  my  boy,  they  are  cochineal,  most  truly  and  surely.  You 
have  found  out  a  most  profitable  use  of  this  fig-tree,  at  all 
events.** 

"  But  what  are  cochineal .?"  he  asked. 

"Insects  that  live  on  the  leaf  of  this  plant,  which  contains  red 
sap,  or  on  the  blood-red  berries,  from  which  it  obtains  that  bright 
red  color.  They  are  collected  principally  in  America,  where 
people  shake  them  from  the  trees  into  a  cloth;  they  are  then  dried, 
packed  together,  and  form  a  very  important  part  of  the  color 
trade,  as  from  these  insects  is  produced  the  richest  and  most  beau- 
tiful scarlet." 

"Well,"  said  Fritz,  "that  fig-tree  is  a  wonderful  plant,  and  we 
have  already  discovered  two  advantages  it  possesses  over  the 
sweet-tasting  ananas." 

"I  can  tell  you  of  a  third  advantage  belonging  to  our  fig-tree," 
I  said;  "its  branches  are  often  used  to  form  a  thick  shelter  and 
defence  against  wild  beasts,  or  even  to  serve  as  a  protection  from 
the  attacks  of  men;  and  although  the  enemy  might  be  able  to  cut 
down  this  fence,  yet  the  performance  would  take  a  long  time,  and 
give  those  in  the  house  an  opportunity  to  escape." 

"Oh!"  exclaimed  Jack,  disbelieving,  "I  should  think  the 
branches  were  too  soft  and  weak  for  a  fence";  and  as  he  spoke 
the  little  man  took  up  an  axe,  and  cut  at  a  branch  which  lay  on 
the  ground  near  with  all  his  might.  At  the  same  moment  a  half- 
withered  leaf  flew  down  and  stuck  through  his  thin  trousers  into 

[148] 


ROBINS  ON 

his  leg  with  such  force  that  he  uttered  a  loud  cry,  and  wished  he 
had  never  touched  the  prickly  granate. 

I  could  not  help  laughing  at  the  boy's  mistake,  and  told  him 
that  to  cut  the  branches  in  pieces  and  to  form  a  fence  of  such 
plants  as  these  was  no  easy  task;  and  even  when  erected  by  half- 
naked  savages,  it  could  only  be  broken  into  by  civilized  men  fully 
provided  with   firearms. 

"But,  papa,"  said  Jack,  "what  is  the  use  of  those  plants  which 
bear  no  fruit  nor  feed  insects  ?" 

"I  cannot  be  supposed  to  know  the  use  of  every  plant,"  I  re- 
plied; "but  no  doubt  they  are  formed  by  the  great  Creator  for 
some  wise  purpose.  These  trees,  for  instance,  with  tall  stems  and 
branches  growing  so  high,  appear  of  the  same  species  as  those 
described  by  Bruce  in  his  travels  in  Abyssinia.  The  high  and 
thick  branches  form  food  for  the  elephant  and  the  giraffe,  who  are 
tall  enough  to  reach  them.  Besides,  do  you  forget  that  the  camel 
and  the  ass  are  fond  of  thistles  and  thorns  ?" 

"Oh,  I  forgot  that,"  said  Ernest.  "One  would  suppose  their 
throats  and  stomachs  were  lined  with  iron,  and  that  the  thorns 
only  tickle  their  palates  as  they  go  down,  and  taste  very  nice." 

While  thus  talking  we  reached  the  shallow  part  of  Jackal 
River,  and  stepping  cautiously  over  the  pebbles,  soon  arrived 
at  our  tent.  Everything  remained  as  we  had  left  it,  and  in  a 
very  few  minutes  we  set  about  the  business  which  had  brought 
us  to  the  spot. 

Fritz  ran  to  obtain  a  supply  of  powder  and  shot;  my  wife  and 
litde  Frank  hastened  to  fill  the  jar  with  butter  from  the  cask; 
while  Ernest  and  Jack  repaired  to  the  pond,  and  tried  to  catch  the 
ducks  and  geese.  But  the  creatures  had  been  living  alone  so 
long  that  they  were  quite  wild,  and  would  not  even  allow  the  boys 
to  approach  them.  They  found  at  last  that  to  catch  them  they 
must  use  stratagem. 

Ernest  had  in  his  pocket  a  piece  of  cheese,  which  he  broke  into 
small  portions,  and  tying  them  to  the  end  of  long  threads,  threw 

[149  J 


i 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

them  into  the  water  as  bait.  In  a  few  minutes  the  geese  and  ducks 
were  drawn  on  shore. 

I  could  not  help  laughing  at  this  droll  contrivance,  but  I  also 
advised  the  boys  to  draw  out  the  thread  from  the  throats  of  the 
deceived  creatures  cautiously.  They  attended  to  my  request,  and 
performed  the  operation  with  such  care,  that  not  one  of  the 
animals  appeared  to  have  suffered  the  least  pain. 

We  then  covered  up  each  of  our  prisoners  with  our  pocket- 
handkerchiefs,  so  that  only  their  heads  and  necks  were  visible, 
and  fastened  them  in  pairs  on  our  shoulders  outside  the  game- 
bags,  where  they  travelled  very  comfortably. 

Our  supply  of  salt  was  less  than  we  had  intended  to  carry  back, 
for  the  bag  destined  for  the  salt  was  now  full  of  potatoes;  but  we 
managed  to  fill  up  the  spaces  between  them  with  salt,  and  hoped 
to  make  that  quantity  last  till  we  could  again  visit  the  tent.  I 
was,  however,  obliged  to  remove  Turk's  coat  of  mail,  and  fasten 
on  his  strong  back  the  heavy  sack  of  potatoes  and  salt.  The  mail 
coat  was  left  behind,  as  we  hoped  in  a  day  or  two  to  visit  the 
tent  again,  for  the  butter-cask  and  a  larger  store  of  salt. 

A  whistle  and  a  call  from  me  quickly  assembled  our  party,  and 
laden  with  the  rich  spoil,  for  which  we  were  very  thankful  to  God, 
we  took  the  road  to  Falconhurst, 

Our  little  caravan  presented  a  droll  appearance;  the  stretched- 
out  necks  of  the  ducks  and  geese  on  our  shoulders,  who  kept  up 
a  continual  gabbling,  added  to  the  ridiculous  spectacle. 

The  gayety  and  gladness  of  our  hearts  made  us  forget  the 
weight  of  our  burdens;  and  we  made  no  complaint  till  we  arrived 
at  Falcon's  Nest,  and  the  cause  was  removed. 

Then  our  joy  was  doubled,  and  all  fatigue  forgotten,  for  the 
mother,  without  delay,  prepared  to  light  a  fire  and  cook  the 
longed-for  potatoes.  The  delighted  boys  ran  here  and  there, 
eager  with  coaxing  words  to  help  their  mother  as  well  as  they 
could;  while  I  milked  the  cow  and  the  goat,  so  that  we  might 
have  pleasant  drink  to  add  to  our  enjoyable  supper. 

[■50] 


A 


ROBINSON 

While  the  meal  was  preparing,  I  set  at  liberty  the  imprisoned 
ducks  and  geese;  and  after  cutting  the  large  feathers  of  their 
wings,  to  prevent  them  from  flying  away,  I  left  them  to  become 
accustomed  by  degrees  to  the  new  locality. 

At  length  the  much-praised  and  delicious  potato  supper  was 
ready,  and  we  enjoyed  it  quite  as  much  as  we  had  anticipated. 
After  supper,  not  without  heartfelt  thanks  to  God  for  His  mercies, 
we  retired,  fatigued  and  sleepy,  to  our  airy  castle,  and  enjoyed 
refreshing  rest  and  repose  till  the  morning. 


TM  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XIII 

THE    SLEDGE,   THE    MASQUERADE,    AND   THE    KANGAROO 

HAD  noticed  on  the  way  home  many  things  lying 
on  the  strand  which  had  been  washed  in  from  the 
wreck,  especially  some  pieces  of  curved  wood,  which 
appeared  to  me  suitable  to  form  a  sledge,  which 
would  enable  us  to  bring  the  butter-cask  and  other 
articles  to  Falcon's  Nest  with  ease.  I  immediately  resolved  to 
rise  early  next  morning,  proceed  to  the  shore,  and  bring  away 
whatever  appeared  useful  for  that  purpose. 

I  decided  also  to  take  Ernest  with  me.  He  was  by  nature 
indolent,  and  unwilling  to  rise  early  in  the  morning,  unless  some 
strong  motive  for  so  doing  presented  itself;  and  I  could  leave 
Fritz  as  a  protection  to  his  mother  and  the  younger  boys. 

At  the  first  glimmer  of  dawn  I  awoke,  and  roused  Ernest,  who, 
at  the  prospect  of  going  with  me,  rose  hastily;  and  in  a  very  short! 
time  we  descended  from  the  tree,  unnoticed  by  the  happy  sleepers 
whom  we  left  behind. 

I  decided  to  take  the  ass  with  us;  and  that  he  should  not  go 
empty,  I  cut  down  a  strong  branch  of  a  tree  and  fastened  it  to 
him  by  ropes,  that  he  might  draw  it  to  the  beach,  where  I  had  no 
doubt  it  would  be  found  useful. 

On  the  way  I  asked  Ernest  if  he  did  not  regret  being  awoke  so 
early,  and  whether  he  would  have  preferred  to  remain,  and  join 
his  brothers  in  their  shooting. 

"Oh,  no,  papa!"  he  replied;  "now  I  am  up  I  don't  mind  it  a 
bit;  besides,  I  like  better  to  be  with  you,  and  there  will  be  plenty 
pf  birds  left,  for  I  am  almost  sure  that  their  first  shots  will  fail." 

[■52] 


ROBINSON 

"And  why,  my  boy  ?"  I  asked,  surprised. 

"Well,"  he  repHed,  "because  they  will  forget  to  draw  out  the 
balls  from  the  guns  and  to  replace  them  with  small  shot;  and  if 
they  do,  I  believe  the  balls  will  fly  too  low,  and  not  reach  half- 
way to  the  top  of  the  trees." 

"I  dare  say  you  are  right,  Ernest,"  I  replied.  "There  is  noth- 
ing better  than  thought  and  reflection  before  we  undertake  any- 
thing of  importance;  and  yet  in  life  a  decision  too  long  delayed 
is  often  fatal.  Those  who  in  a  moment  of  alarm  or  danger  retain 
their  composure,  and  see  promptly  what  they  ought  to  do,  possess 
that  most  precious  quality  called  presence  of  mind." 

Thus  conversing,  we  arrived  at  the  shore,  and  came  upon  the 
spot  on  which  lay  the  curved  wood,  and  for  the  present  terminated 
our  journey.  Very  quickly  these  boards  were  laid  on  the  branch 
of  the  tree  brought  by  the  ass,  while  the  smaller  twigs  which  grew 
from  it  served  to  prevent  the  wood  from  slipping. 

As  another  means  for  this  purpose  we  placed  upon  it  a  sea- 
chest,  which  lay  half  buried  in  the  sand,  and  then  turned  our 
steps  toward  Falcon's  Nest, 

The  journey  home  was  long  and  tedious.  We  had  to  help 
the  willing  animal  by  the  aid  of  two  long  poles,  which  we  em- 
ployed as  levers  now  and  then  to  raise  the  load  and  send  it 
forward. 

As  we  approached  we  heard  in  the  distance  the  popping  of 
guns,  telling  us  that  the  destruction  of  the  poor  little  birds  had 
already  commenced.  But  on  our  appearance  we  were  greeted 
with  eager  and  joyful  cries  as  the  boys  hastened  to  meet  us.  My 
wife  at  first  gently  reproached  me  for  leaving  her  and  the  three 
boys  without  warning  or  farewell;  but  when  she  saw  the  wood, 
and  heard  that  I  hoped  to  make  of  it  a  sledge  for  the  purpose  of 
bringing  the  butter-cask  and  other  articles  to  Falcon's  Nest,  she 
was  soon  appeased. 

The  chest  was  eagerly  opened  and  examined,  but  found  to 
contain  nothing  of  importance.     It  was  simply  a  sailor's  locker, 

[153] 


T"!  SWISS  FAMILY 

and  the  clothes  and  hnen  it  held  had  been  completely  saturated 
and  spoiled  by  sea-water. 

We  were  not  sorry  to  hear  when  breakfast  was  announced,  and 
after  breakfast  I  examined  the  result  of  the  gunshots  we  had 
heard,  and  found  altogether  that  the  two  boys  had  shot  about 
five  dozen  grebes  and  ortolans.  I  also  discovered  that  both  Fritz 
and  Jack  had  failed  in  their  first  shots,  as  Ernest  had  foreseen, 
by  forgetting  to  remove  the  balls  and  replace  them  with  shot, 
although  they  had  quickly  repaired  this  error,  as  their  large  booty 
proved. 

At  the  same  time  they  had  used  so  much  ammunition,  that 
when  they  wished  to  commence  shooting  again,  their  mother  in- 
terfered, and  represented  to  them  that  at  such  a  rate  their  store  of 
powder  and  shot  would  soon  fail,  and  that  for  the  present  she  had 
birds  enough. 

I  fully  agreed  with  this  sensible  advice,  and  reminded  the  boys 
that  if  they  were  so  extravagant,  we  should  lose  our  means  of 
defence  as  well  as  of  obtaining  nourishment. 

"We  must  economize  in  every  way,  boys,"  I  said,  "until  we  are 
able  again  to  visit  the  wreck  and  get  in  a  new  stock  of  powder  and 
provisions.  Besides,"  I  continued,  "I  do  not  wish  you  to  shoot 
only  for  the  sake  of  trying  your  skill  in  killing  the  pretty  creatures 
God  has  created.  They  are  necessary  for  us  here  on  this  unin- 
habited island  because  we  have  no  other  means  of  obtaining  food, 
but  I  should  be  sorry  for  my  children  to  become  cruel,  or  to  see 
them  find  pleasure  in  destroying  life.  We  have  no  right  to  kill 
any  of  God's  creatures,  unless  they  are  dangerous  wild  beasts  or 
those  we  need  for  food." 

Children  are  often  cruel  from  want  of  thought,  and  I  could  see 
by  the  looks  of  my  boys  that  I  had  placed  the  subject  before  them 
in  a  new  light.     Even  little  Frank  said: 

"I  know,  papa,  if  we  hadn't  killed  the  jackals  they  would  have 
killed  us  and  eaten  us  up,  but  it  seems  a  pity  to  kill  these  pretty 
little  birds." 

[154] 


ROBINSON 

"  So  it  does,  Franky ;  and  we  will  not  shoot  any  more  at  present. 
If  we  want  them  by-and-by  for  food,  I  will  show  you  boys  how 
to  catch  them  in  a  trap  that  will  kill  them  at  once,  without  causing 
them  to  linger  in  pain,  and  save  our  powder  and  shot." 

At  this  moment  a  great  commotion  arose  among  our  poultry. 
They  screamed  and  cackled  and  fluttered  about  in  such  alarm, 
that  I  could  only  imagine  a  fox  was  in  the  midst  of  them.  We 
ran  with  all  speed  to  the  spot,  the  mother  accompanying  us,  under 
the  impression  that  a  hen  had  laid  an  egg. 

Ernest  by  chance  caught  sight  of  the  monkey,  and  saw  him 
Tush  under  one  of  the  arched  roots  with  a  newly-laid  egg  in  his 
paw;  and  as  Ernest  approached  he  disappeared  behind  the  tree, 
for  he  was  longing  to  make  a  meal  of  his  stolen  prize.  From  place 
to  place  he  led  his  pursuer;  but  Ernest  was  too  quick  for  him, 
and  at  length  in  the  grass  found  the  egg,  hidden  with  three  others. 
Eagerly  he  carried  the  four  eggs  to  his  mother,  who  received  them 
with  joy  and  thankfulness. 

We  resolved  to  prevent  this  freebooter  from  any  future  plunder 
by  depriving  him  of  his  liberty  while  the  hens  were  laying,  till  we 
had  found  a  safe  place  of  concealment  for  the  eggs,  intending, 
after  a  time,  to  let  the  prisoner  free,  and  discover  if  his  instinct 
would  enable  him  to  find  out  where  the  eggs  lay  hidden.  My 
wife,  who  was  anxious  to  collect  a  number  to  be  hatched  in  case 
one  of  the  hens  should  be  inclined  to  sit,  determined  to  hide 
them  while  Master  Nip  was  tied  up.  Of  course  to  be  able  to  add 
a  number  of  little  chicks  to  our  farmyard  would  be  a  great  ad- 
vantage, and  they  were  concealed  too  cleverly  for  a  monkey's 
instinct  to  find  them. 

After  this  disturbance  I  hoped  to  be  able  to  commence  opera- 
tions on  my  sledge,  but  I  was  again  interrupted.  Jack,  who  had 
mounted  our  rope  ladder  to  search  for  a  suitable  spot  on  which  to 
place  the  bird-traps,  came  down  hastily  with  the  agreeable  news 
that  a  pair  of  our  pigeons  were  building  a  nest  among  the  branches 
above. 

"  [155] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

I  at  once  gave  strict  orders  that  there  should  be  no  shooting  in 
the  trees,  and  that  the  idea  of  placing  traps  for  the  birds  must  for 
the  present  be  set  aside;  and  at  last  I  found  myself  free  to  com- 
mence making  my  sledge.  The  boys  followed  me  to  the  spot  at 
which  I  had  left  the  wood.     As  we  walked,  little  Frank  said: 

"  Papa,  why  can't  we  sow  gunpowder  instead  of  those  seeds  to 
feed  the  animals  ?  It  would  be  much  more  useful  than  fodder 
to  us. 

His  brothers  laughed  heartily  at  the  little  one's  fancy,  and  Ernest 
exclaimed: 

"Well,  that  is  a  wonderful  proposal!  Why,  Franky,  gun- 
powder is  not  a  seed;    it  will  not  grow  like  oats!" 

"Quite  right,  Ernest,"  I  said;    "but  how  then  is  it  obtained  ?" 

"I  know,"  he  replied;  "it  is  made  of  saltpetre,  sulphur,  and 
charcoal,  mixed  together." 

"And  who  was  clever  enough  to  discover  that  these  substances 
united  would  form  gunpowder .?"  I  asked. 

"Roger  Bacon,  a  monk,"  replied  Ernest;  "he "was  a  native  of 
England,  and  lived  in  the  thirteenth  century." 

At  this  moment  the  boys  were  called  by  their  mother,  and  I  at 
once  commenced  the  construction  of  my  sledge.  The  performance 
was  very  simple  and  quickly  finished.  I  united  the  two  curved 
pieces  of  wood  by  three  pieces  across,  one  in  front  and  one  be- 
hind, with  a  third  in  the  middle;  these  were  so  placed  that  the 
curve  of  the  side-pieces  stood  highest  in  front.  I  considered  it 
altogether  my  most  clever  performance. 

I  then  fastened  the  drawing-ropes  to  the  outer  points,  and  my 
sledge  stood  complete. 

As  I  now  for  the  first  time  raised  my  eyes  from  my  work,  and 
was  about  to  join  the  rest,  I  saw  my  wife  and  the  boys  occupied  in 
plucking  the  birds,  while  at  least  two  dozen  were  roasting  before 
the  fire  on  the  blade  of  a  Spanish  sword,  belonging  to  one  of  the 
ship's  officers,  as  a  spit. 

The  contrivance  appeared  to  me  very  ingenious,  but  I  could  not 

[156] 


< 


ROBINSON 

help  remarking  that  it  was  extravagant  to  cook  so  many  birds  at 
once. 

"No,  no,"  said  my  wife;  "we  do  not  intend  to  make  a  feast  fit 
for  company  to-day;  but  as  I  am  expecting  you  to  fetch  the  cask 
of  butter  for  me,  I  am  half  cooking  some  of  the  birds,  that  they 
may  be  in  readiness  to  be  wrapped  in  butter  and  preserved,  ac- 
cording to  your  instructions." 

I  had  nothing  to  say  in  reply,  so  I  prepared  to  start  for  our  Tent 
Home  with  my  sledge  directly  after  dinner.  The  mother  pro- 
posed during  my  absence  to  have  a  regular  wash-up  of  the  clothes 
land  linen,  while  the  boys  were  taking  a  bath.  I  promised  that 
Ernest  should  bathe  on  the  journey,  as  I  preferred  to  take  him 
with  me  instead  of  Fritz,  who  was  more  able  to  protect  those  who 
remained  behind. 

After  dinner  we  set  out  on  our  expedition,  and  in  addition  to 
larms,  each  carried  not  only  a  hunting-knife,  but  a  beautiful  case, 
imost  ingeniously  made  by  Fritz,  containing  a  knife,  fork,  and 
spoon,  in  our  girdles  of  shark's  skin. 

We  harnessed  both  the  cow  and  the  ass  to  the  sledge,  invited 
Floss  to  accompany  us,  but  sent  Turk  back  as  a  protection  to 
Ithose  at  home,  and  with  a  fond  farewell  started  merrily  on  our 
way. 

As  I  knew  the  sledge  would  slide  more  easily  on  the  sandy  shore 
ithan  through  the  high,  thick  grass,  I  drove  along  the  coast,  and 
larrived  without  adventure  at  Zeltheim.  We  unharnessed  the 
lanimals,  and  left  them  to  find  pasture,  while  we  loaded  the 
sledge,  not  only  with  the  butter-cask,  but  also  with  the  powder- 
barrel,  the  other  cask  of  cheese,  the  bullets,  small  shot,  and 
Turk's  little  coat  of  mail,  which  had  been  left  behind  on  the 
)previous  day. 

■  We  were  so  absorbed  in  this  work,  that  we  did  not  at  first  notice 
the  absence  of  our  animals,  who,  attracted  by  the  fresh  green  turf, 
had  wandered  away  across  the  bridge  over  the  jackal  Brook  to 
the  opposite  shore,  and  had  quite  disappeared.     I  desired  Ernest 

[«S7] 


THE  SWISS  family! 

to  go  in  search  of  them  with  the  dog,  while  I  endeavored  to  find  a 
convenient  spot  in  which  to  bathe. 

On  arriving  at  DeHverance  Bay,  I  for  the  first  time  noticed  a 
Httle  creek,  enclosed  on  one  side  by  a  marsh  full  of  splendid 
Spanish  canes,  and  on  the  other  by  a  chain  of  rocks  stretching  far 
into  the  sea,  and  forming  a  most  secluded  bathing-place. 

I  called  Ernest  in  a  cheerful  tone,  that  I  might  show  him  the 
spot;  and  while  waiting  for  him  to  appear,  I  cut  down  quickly  a 
number  of  the  canes  which  grew  near  me,  with  the  hope  of 
making  them  in  some  way  useful  by-and-by. 

As  Ernest  did  not  make  his  appearance,  I  became  anxious  and  I 
went  to  look  for  him.  What  was  my  surprise  at  discovering  the 
youngster  lying  at  full  length  in  a  shady  spot  behind  our  tent,  as  | 
sound  asleep  as  a  dormouse;  while  the  two  animals  I  had  sent) 
him  to  find  were  comfortably  grazing  unwatched,  and  wandering 
where  they  pleased. 

"Up,  up,  you  lazy  fellow!"  I  exclaimed,  rousing  the  sleeper; 
"why,  these  animals  might  have  crossed  the  bridge  and  given  us 
a  pretty  chase!" 

"Oh,  let  them  alone,  papa,  for  that,"  he  replied,  as  he  lazily 
roused  himself.  "I  have  taken  away  a  few  planks  from  the' 
bridge,  and  it's  not  likely  such  timid  fellows  would  venture  over 
it  now." 

"Your  idleness  has  made  you  ingenious,  Ernest,"  I  replied, 
"but  it  does  not  please  me.  To  sleep  away  the  precious  hours  of  ; 
the  day,  while  there  is  anything  useful  to  be  done,  is  not  only  a 
disgrace  to  those  who  have  strength  to  work,  but  a  sin.  And  now,  i 
while  I  take  my  bath,  go  and  gather  the  store  of  salt,"  I  continued, 
seeing  he  looked  ashamed  at  my  reproof.  "  I  will  not  be  long,  as 
I  wish  you  also  to  have  your  turn." 

I  found  the  sea  bath  most  cool  and  refreshing,  and  hastened 
as  quickly  as  possible  after  coming  out  of  the  water  to  search  for  \ 
the  boy,  that  he  might  not  lose  his  opportunity.  But  on  reaching  ' 
the  spot  where  the  salt  was  kept,  to  ascertain  how  much  he  had 

[158] 


ROBINSON 


THREATENED    TO    DRAW 
HIM    INTO    THE    WATER 


ROBINSON 

secured  to  take  with  us,  he  was  nowhere  to  be  seen.  I  sought  for 
him  in  vain,  and  began  to  conjecture  that  he  must  have  gone  to 
sleep  again,  when  I  suddenly  heard  his  voice  exclaiming: 

"Papa,  papa,  come  quick!  A  fish,  an  enormous  fish!  I  can 
scarcely  hold  him!     He  is  tearing  away  my  line!" 

I  ran  hastily  in  the  direction  of  the  voice,  and  found  the  boy  on 
the  borders  of  the  river,  stretched  upon  the  grass,  and  struggling 
with  all  his  might  to  retain  a  fish  whose  efforts  threatened  to 
draw  him  into  the  water,  line,  rod,  and  all. 

I  quickly  rendered  him  assistance,  took  the  fishing-rod  from  his 
hand,  and  lengthened  the  line  to  give  the  fish  a  little  freedom; 
and  then  gradually  drew  it  into  shallow  water,  where  it  was 
stranded  and  unable  to  escape.  Ernest  immediately  stepped  into 
the  water,  and  put  an  end  to  its  struggles  with  a  blow  of  his 
hatchet. 

I  then  drew  the  fish  to  shore,  and  found  it  was  a  magnificent 
salmon  of  about  fifteen  pounds  weight,  which  would  form  a  most 
excellent  addition  to  our  store  of  provision,  and  very  much  please 
the  mother. 

"At  all  events,  Ernest,"  I  said,  "this  time  you  have  not  been 
idle,  but  have  worked,  not  only  with  your  head,  but  with  your 
hands  and  feet,  and,  indeed,  your  whole  body.  I  congratulate 
you  with  all  my  heart;  for  you  have  not  only  acted  bravely,  but 
you  have  provided  us  with  food  which  will  last  for  several  days, 
and  prove  of  great  value  to  us." 

I  observed  many  smaller  fish  swimming  about  near,  having  the 
appearance  of  herrings  or  trout;  the  latter  I  would  not  interfere 
with,  as  I  thought  it  most  likely  they  were  young  salmon.  But  I 
determined  to  clean  and  prepare  our  booty,  and  sprinkle  it  with 
salt,  that  we  might  carry  it  home  in  good  condition. 

While  I  performed  this  operation,  and  harnessed  the  cattle  to 
the  sledge,  I  sent  Ernest  to  have  a  bath.  He  did  not  keep  me 
waiting  for  long,  and  we  very  soon  crossed  the  bridge  on  the  way 
back  to  Falcon's  Nest. 

[i6i] 


L 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

We  had  scarcely  travelled  half  the  distance,  and  just  as  we 
reached  the  high  grass,  our  watchful  companion  Floss  rushed  for- 
ward, barking  loudly,  and  disappeared. 

I  followed  her  quickly,  and  saw  a  most  singular-looking  animal 
flying  from  the  dog,  or  rather  escaping  from  her,  with  most  aston- 
ishing leaps. 

I  seized  the  moment  when  Floss  sprang  aside  to  raise  my  gun 
and  fire,  but  so  rashly  that  I  failed.  Ernest,  who  followed  behind 
me,  noticed  the  cause  of  my  failure;  for  the  wonderful  leaps  of 
the  animal  had  even  bewildered  the  dog,  and  she  appeared  to 
have  lost  all  trace  of  him.  But  Ernest  carefully  marked  these 
movements,  and  presently  saw  the  creature  stoop  and  hide  him- 
self in  the  long  grass. 

Carefully  keeping  his  eye  on  the  spot,  he  moved  nearer  with 
silent  footsteps,  and  raising  his  gun,  shot  the  animal  dead. 

We  hastily  ran,  with  great  curiosity,  to  the  scene  of  combat,  and 
with  wonder  and  surprise  discovered  that  Ernest  had  killed  one 
of  the  most  singular  creatures  that  could  be  imagined.     It  was 


about  the  size  of  a  sheep,  had  a  tail  like  a  tiger,  the  face  and 
skin  of  a  mouse,  and  ears  as  large  as  those  of  a  hare.  Its  fore 
paws,  resembling  those  of  a  squirrel,  were  armed  with  claws,  but 

[162] 


ROBINSON 

too  short  to  be  of  use  in  walking,  especially  as  the  hind  legs  were 
of  a  great  length,  and  curiously  formed. 

We  stood  for  a  long  time  in  silence  regarding  this  singular  crea- 
ture, while  I  tried  in  vain  to  remember  whether  I  had  ever  seen 
an  animal  at  all  resembling  it.  Ernest  approached  nearer  to 
examine  it  closely,  and  broke  the  silence  by  exclaiming: 

"Oh,  papa,  what  a  curious  animal!  I  have  never  in  my  life 
shot  anything  so  large.  Am  I  not  lucky  ?  What  will  mamma 
and  my  brothers  say,  I  wonder .?" 

"You  have  indeed  been  successful,"  I  replied;  "but  I  have 
still  no  idea  to  what  species  it  belongs,  or  what  name  it  bears. 
We  must  examine  the  creature  systematically,  Ernest;  and,  first, 
look  at  its  teeth." 

The  boy  examined  the  mouth. 

"It  has  four  incisor  teeth,  papa,  two  upper  and  two  under,  like 
a  large  squirrel,"  he  replied. 

"Then  he  belongs  to  the  same  species,"  I  exclaimed.  "Can 
you  remember  the  names  of  any  of  the  rodent  animals,  Ernest?" 

"I  know  a  few,"  he  replied — ^"The  mouse,  the  dormouse,  the 
squirrel,  the  hare,  the  beaver,  and  the  jerboa." 

"The  jerboa!"  I  exclaimed.  "You  have  put  me  on  the  right 
track.  This  creature  has  a  similar  form  to  the  jerboa,  but  trav- 
ellers describe  it  as  much  larger;  and  I  quite  believe  that  this  one 
belongs  to  the  species  of  animals  who  have  a  pouch  beneath  the 
breast,  in  which  the  female  carries  its  little  ones  while  they  are 
young.  No  doubt,  therefore,  you  have  shot  a  female  kangaroo. 
They  were  not  known  till  the  renowned  Captain  Cook  discovered 
them  in  New  Holland."  ^ 

We  drew  our  booty  to  the  sledge,  and  after  placing  it  carefully 
with  the  other  treasures,  continued  our  journey  toward  Falcon's 
Nest. 

"Can  you  tell  me  anything  about  these  animals,  papa  ?"  asked 
Ernest,  as  we  walked  on  slowly. 

*  Now  called  Australia. 

[>63] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"I  have  read  accounts  from  the  books  written  by  travellers,"  I 
replied;  "but  in  a  state  of  nature  very  little  is  known  of  their 
habits,  beyond  what  I  have  already  told  you/  But  by  the  hind 
legs,  which  are  three  times  as  long  as  those  in  front,  they  are  able 
to  take  most  astonishing  leaps,  not  quite  so  high  in  proportion 
to  their  size  as  the  flea  or  the  grasshopper,  but  equally  surprising. 
These  animals  feed  upon  grass,  and  some  kinds  of  roots,  which 
they  dig  up  with  the  fore  feet  Hke  hands,  very  rapidly.  Now  and 
then  during  this  performance  they  raise  themselves  on  their  hind 
legs  and  tails,  and  peep  above  the  tall  grass  or  thick  bushes,  to 
discover  if  they  are  in  safety.  Should  there  be  any  appearance 
of  danger,  they  are  able  by  using  the  tail,  which  is  remarkable 
for  its  muscular  strength,  to  spring  from  the  ground  and  mislead 
their  pursuers,  as  the  creature  you  have  shot  misled  and  baffled  i 
our  dog.  Deprived  of  its  tail,  the  kangaroo  would  be  a  helpless! 
creature,  and  quite  unable  to  defend  itself." 

We  arrived  at  Falcon's  Nest  on  this  occasion  at  a  late  hour,  but 
received  a  joyful  welcome,  especially  after  a  glimpse  at  the  con- 
tents of  the  sledge,  which  my  wife  and  the  boys  proceeded  to. 
examine  with  wondering  eyes. 

Yet  we  were  equally  astonished  at  the  appearance  presented 
by  the  young  people  who  came  to  meet  us.  One  was  wrapped  in 
a  long  blue  sailor's  shirt,  stepping  every  now  and  then  on  the 
hem  as  he  walked;  another  wore  a  pair  of  trousers,  the  waistband 
of  which  reached  to  his  shoulders;  the  third  was  tied  up  in  a 
jacket  which  descended  to  his  knees,  and  gave  him  the  appearance 
of  a  walking  portmanteau. 

In  this  strange  attire  they  approached  us  gravely,  seeming  as 
proud  of  their  masquerade  as  a  prince  on  the  stage. 

I  imagined  the  meaning  of  this  theatrical  performance,  and  was 
informed  by  their  mother  that  while  the  clothes  she  had  washed 
were  drying,  they  had  been  obliged  to  dress  themselves  in  any- 

'  These  animals  can  be  seen  in  our  time  in  the  Zoological  Gardens,  and  full; 
accounts  of  them  appear  in  modern  Natural  Histories.  ; 

[.64] 


ROBINSON 

thing  they  could  find  in  the  sailor's  locker  which  I  had  brought 
from  the  shore;  and  they  made  so  merry  over  it,  that  she  decided 
to  permit  them  to  continue  in  their  masquerade  dress,  that  their 
father  and  Ernest  might  join  in  the  fun. 

We  laughed  and  admired  the  performance  as  much  as  they 
could  desire,  and  then  proceeded  to  display  the  contents  of  the 
sledge  before  their  astonished  eyes— the  butter  and  cheese-casks, 
the  canes,  salt,  salmon,  and  at  last,  to  crown  the  whole,  the  dead 
Ikangaroo;  and  I  felt  it  due  to  Ernest  to  explain  his  share  in 
[procuring  these  additions  to  our  store.  All  his  brothers  were  de- 
lighted with  his  prowess,  excepting  Fritz.  I  could  see  how  much 
he  regretted  that  the  splendid  kangaroo  was  his  brother's  booty 
land  not  his;  I  saw  how  he  struggled  against  the  jealous  feeling, 
land  to  be  master  of  himself;  and  in  this  he  succeeded  so  well, 
that  he  was  able  to  join  in  our  conversation,  and  no  one  but  my- 
self had  remarked  it.  Yet  it  was  not  possible  for  him  to  avoid 
casting  an  envious  glance  now  and  then  at  the  kangaroo;  and 
lafter  one  or  two  remarks  which  I  understood,  he  said  to  me  in  a 
[.coaxing  tone,  and  with  a  smile: 

"You  have  found  many  new  things  to-day,  papa;  but  may  I 
go  with  you  on  your  next  journey  .?  There  is  nothing  for  me  to 
do  here  at  Falcon's  Nest,  and  it  is  so  tedious." 

"You  shall,  my  dear  boy,"  I  replied;  "although  what  pleases 
^us  most  is  not  always  the  best  for  us.  However,"  I  added,  in  a 
'low  tone,  "I  have  noticed  your  struggles  against  the  feeling  of 
envy  of  your  brother,  and  how  bravely  you  have  conquered;  there- 
fore I  cannot  refuse  your  request,  and  I  promise  you,  that  on  my 
ffirst  expedition,  you  shall  accompany  me.  I  expect,  however, 
:that  it  will  to-morrow  be  a  voyage  to  the  wreck;  and  as  I  cannot 
answer  for  the  discovery  of  game  on  such  an  excursion,  perhaps 
you  would  prefer  to  remain  here  with  your  mother  and  brothers 
again,  as  a  protection;  but  you  shall  please  yourself,  although  you 
must  not  allow  a  love  for  the  chase  to  get  the  mastery  over  you. 
To  form  a  manly  and  decided  character,  it  is  necessary  to  have  a 

[165] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

power  over  self.  Great  praise  is  due  to  Ernest  for  his  presence  of 
mind,  when  we  first  saw  the  kangaroo.  My  shot  failed  from 
over-haste,  his  took  effect  from  caution  and  firmness." 

We  closed  this  day  with  our  usual  occupations. 

After  unloading  the  sledge  I  distributed  salt  to  the  animals, 
which  was  to  them  a  delicious  feast.  I  finished  the  evening  by 
opening  and  cleaning  the  kangaroo;  and  after  hanging  it  on  a 
branch  of  a  tree  till  the  morning,  I  gave  the  refuse  to  Turk  and , 
Floss,  who  evidently  considered  it  a  delicious  supper.  ; 

We  then  sat  down  to  a  famous  supper  of  the  small  fish  caught; 
by  Ernest,  and  some  beautiful  baked  potatoes.  Supper  was  very 
soon  finished,  for  we  were  tired  out,  and  longing  for  rest  and; 
sleep,  which  soon  gathered  us  in  its  arms.  j 


I 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XIV 


A   VOYAGE   TO   THE    WRECK — THE    RAFT 


N  the  following  morning  very  early  I  descended  from 
the  tree,  while  the  others  still  slept,  as  I  wished  to 
take  off  the  beautiful  skin  of  the  kangaroo  before 
any  other  business  was  commenced. 

It  required  great  care  to  separate  it  from  the  flesh 
without  injury,  and  occupied  such  a  long  time  that  breakfast 
was  ready  before  I  had  finished.  I  succeeded,  however,  won- 
derfully; and  after  washing  my  hands,  and  making  other  trifling 
preparations,  I  joined  the  rest  at  our  roughly  made  table  on  the 
tree-roots. 

A  voyage  to  the  wreck  had  been  decided  upon,  and  after  giving 
Fritz  orders  to  prepare  everything  in  readiness  for  the  voyage,  I 
called  for  Ernest  and  Jack,  to  give  them  my  instructions  how  to 
act  during  the  absence  of  Fritz  and  myself;  but  they  were  not  to 
be  found. 

Their  absence  made  me  very  anxious,  and  I  asked  the  mother 
if  she  had  any  idea  what  had  become  of  them. 

She  knew  nothing  of  their  movements,  but  conjectured  that  they 
might  be  gone  to  dig  up  some  more  potatoes,  which  we  again 
required.  I  contented  myself  with  this  reply,  especially  when  I 
discovered  that  Turk  was  missing,  and  had  no  doubt  followed 
them  as  their  defender;  yet  I  advised  my  wife  to  reprove  them 
seriously  on  their  return,  for  daring  to  venture  alone  in  this  strange 
country. 

Setting  aside  all  other  anxiety,  Fritz  and  I  said  farewell  to  the 
mother  and  Frank;    and  while  I  left  Floss  as  a  protector,  I  re- 

[167] 


T«£  SWISS  FAMILY 

minded  her  of  that  Providence  in  whom  she  trusted,  and  who 
would  watch  over  and  take  care  of  us  in  our  voyage  to  the  wreck  i 
this  time,  and  bless  the  means  we  used  to  secure  our  own  safety. 

Without  delay  we  hastened  forward,  and  had  crossed  the  bridge 
over  Jackal  River,  when  suddenly,  to  our  great  astonishment, 
Ernest  and  Jack,  with  a  shrill,  joyous  cry,  sprang  upon  us  from 
behind,  evidently  thinking  it  a  good  joke  that  they  had  taken 
their  dear  father  and  brother  by  surprise. 

I  could  not  be  indignant  with  these  two  good-tempered  lads, 
and  spoil  the  joke  by  a  scolding;  but  I  gave  them  a  gentle  rebuke, 
and  explained  to  them  how  displeased  I  was  that  they  should 
have  left  their  mother  and  ventured  alone  in  a  country  unknown. 
I  refused  to  take  them  with  me  as  they  wished,  for  their  assistance 
on  the  wreck  was  not  required;  but  principally  I  was  anxious  for 
them  to  return  to  Falcon's  Nest,  because  their  absence  would 
make  their  mother  uneasy;  and  to  leave  her  the  whole  day  alone, 
or  at  least  with  only  little  Frank,  was  out  of  the  question. 

I  was  glad  of  this  opportunity,  also,  to  send  a  message  to  my 
wife,  which  removed  a  weight  from  my  mind.  I  had  foreseen 
before  we  started  that  we  should  be  obliged  to  remain  longer  than 
usual  on  the  vessel,  for  the  raft  I  wished  to  construct  would  most 
likely  occupy  the  whole  day.  But  in  parting  I  had  not  had  the 
courage  to  speak  to  my  wife  of  a  two  days'  absence,  because  she 
had  so  many  times  implored  me  not  to  stay  longer  on  the  wreck 
than  was  absolutely  necessary. 

This  time  it  did  seem  to  be  necessary  for  us  to  stay,  and  save 
as  many  as  possible  of  the  useful  articles  so  requisite  to  us  in  our 
present  position;  for  at  any  moment  the  wreck  might  fall  to 
pieces  and  the  opportunity  be  lost. 

I  therefore  desired  them  not  to  delay  on  their  way  home,  ex- 
cepting to  collect  a  little  salt,  that  their  morning  walk  might  not 
be  quite  lost,  and  also,  to  save  their  kind  mother  from  anxiety,  by 
returning  without  fail  before  noon,  and  on  no  account  to  forget 
to  deliver  my  message. 

[i68] 


ROBINSON 

After  wishing  the  boys  farewell,  we  entered  our  little  boat  and 
steered  away  from  the  shore  to  the  current  which  flowed  into 
Deliverance  Bay,  and  arrived  very  quickly  without  accident  at  the 
wreck. 

When  we  had  safely  moored  our  little  boat  alongside,  and 
mounted  to  the  deck  of  the  vessel,  my  first  care  was  to  find 
materials  for  constructing  a  raft;  for  the  tub-boat  was  neither 
large  enough  nor  of  sufficient  strength  to  carry  a  heavy  load. 

In  a  very  short  time  we  found  a  number  of  water-casks,  as  well 
as  planks  and  beams,  on  the  wreck,  which  appeared  quite  suitable 
for  our  purpose. 

The  casks  were  emptied  and  tied  together  in  rows  to  form  a 
square,  and  then,  with  nails  and  strong  cords,  we  fastened  upon 
them — not  without  trouble,  however — several  planks,  as  a  flooring 
to  the  raft. 

We  succeeded  at  length  in  constructing  a  firm  and  solid  float, 
capable  of  carrying  three  times  as  many  articles  as  our  little  boat 
of  tubs,  and  with  far  more  safety. 

Yet,  although  we  had  worked  most  diligently  the  whole  day,  the 
afternoon  was  far  advanced  before  our  task  was  completed.  We 
had  scarcely  even  rested  from  work  during  the  few  minutes  in 
which  we  partook  of  the  cold  provisions  we  had  brought  with  us, 
and  were  now  too  fatigued  and  exhausted  to  attempt  to  return  to 
the  land. 

I  resolved,  therefore,  to  remain  on  board  all  night;  and  after 
taking  precautions  in  case  of  a  storm,  we  at  last  found  time  to 
search  for  a  supper  among  the  articles  still  remaining  on  the  ship. 

The  night's  rest  in  the  cabin  was  altogether  delightful,  the 
elastic  mattresses  forming  a  far  more  pleasant  couch  than  the 
hammocks  at  Falcon's  Nest.  And  in  consequence,  our  agreement 
to  watch  in  turns  and  listen  to  the  winds  and  waves  for  any  change 
completely  failed,  for  we  slept  soundly  till  sunrise. 

We  arose  next  morning  with  thankful  hearts,  and  off'ered  our 
earnest  gratitude  to  God  for  the  merciful  Providence  which  had 

[  "69  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

protected  us  from  accident  during  the  night,  and  at  once  com- 
menced actively  the  task  of  loading  the  boats. 

After  plundering  the  cabins  we  had  ourselves  occupied  during 
the  voyage,  we  took  the  locks  from  the  doors,  the  bolts  from  the 
shutters,  and  added  all  these  to  our  cargoes. 

The  contents  of  a  couple  of  sea-chests,  belonging  to  the  ship's 
officers,  were  to  us  a  great  treasure;  but  still  greater  were  those  of 
the  ship's  carpenter  and  the  gunsmith.  These  chests  we  contrived 
to  place  on  the  raft  by  means  of  rollers  and  a  lever,  after  removing 
the  heaviest  of  their  contents  a  few  at  a  time. 

The  captairi's  trunk  was  full  of  all  sorts  of  things,  some  of  them 
so  costly  that  we  were  quite  dazzled.  There  lay  gold  and  silver 
watches,  chains,  buckles,  studs,  and  a  snuff-box;  most  probably  in- 
tended as  presents,  or  as  stock  for  a  profitable  trade  which  might 
be  commenced  in  a  new  colony.  Besides  these,  a  well-lined  cash- 
box  full  of  doubloons  and  piastres  presented  itself  to  our  eyes,  and 
Fritz  had  very  nearly  fallen  into  the  error  of  commencing  our 
plunder  with  this  tempting  box. 

But  I  quickly  pointed  out  other  objects  of  greater  importance; 
for  instance,  a  case  of  knives  and  forks,  which  would  prove  far 
more  useful  to  us  than  the  captain's  gold  and  silver. 

In  addition  to  this,  and  equally  valuable,  were  two  dozen  beau- 
tiful young  European  fruit-trees,  which  had  been  most  carefully 
packed  for  the  voyage.  I  recognized  among  them  the  pear,  apple, 
orange,  almond,  peach,  chestnut,  and  vine,  the  fruit  of  which  in 
our  dear  native  home  we  had  so  often  enjoyed. 

Presently  we  discovered  a  number  of  iron  bars  of  immense 
strength,  then  a  grindstone,  wagon  and  cart  wheels,  a  complete 
set  of  smith's  tools,  hatchets  and  shovels,  chains,  iron  and  copper 
wire,  a  ploughshare,  a  hand-mill,  and  last,  but  not  least,  sacks  full 
of  maize,  pease,  oats,  and  other  grain;  in  a  word,  a  seemingly  in- 
exhaustible store  of  articles,  evidently  destined  for  the  support  of  a 
European  colony  to  be  established  in  distant  lands. 

There  were  even  parts  of  a  saw-mill,  which  it  was  evident  might 

[  170] 


ROBINSON 

be  fitted  together  with  a  little  trouble,  if  we  had  strength  enough 
to  lift  it. 

And  now  the  question  arose,  what  should  we  take  with  us  of 
all  these  valuable  things,  and  what  leave  behind  ?  It  was  im- 
possible to  think  of  removing  the  whole  enormous  heap  which  we 
had  collected  together,  and  yet  I  felt  sad  at  heart  as  I  reflected 
that  we  must  leave  so  many  useful  things  on  the  shattered  wreck, 
which  might  be  destroyed  by  the  waves  without  a  moment's 
warning. 

I  decided  at  last  to  choose  what  appeared  the  most  useful, 
particularly  powder  and  shot,  iron,  lead,  grain,  the  fruit-trees,  and 
several  tools,  and  of  these  to  place  on  the  raft  and  in  our  tub- 
boat  as  much  as  we  could  possibly  carry.  But  while  I  was  storing 
away  the  unnecessary  articles  in  a  safe  place,  Fritz  came  to  me 
and  asked,  as  a  great  favor,  that  he  might  bring  away  the  cap- 
tain's trunk  and  have  one  of  the  gold  watches  for  himself. 

To  this  I  could  not  object,  and  we  hastened  to  place  this  with 
the  other  articles  on  our  boat  and  raft,  and  prepare  for  the  voyage 
to  the  island. 

Among  other  things  we  had  found  a  large  magnetic  needle  and 
a  mariner's  compass. 

On  seeing  two  harpoons  used  in  whale  fishing,  with  a  quantity 
of  strong  cordage,  quite  new,  attached  to  them,  Fritz  begged  me 
to  fasten  one  of  the  harpoons  to  the  bow  of  our  little  boat,  that 
we  might  be  ready  in  case  of  attack  from  large  fish  or  even  a 
shark.  The  request  appeared  so  reasonable  that  I  readily  gave 
my  consent. 

We  were  not  ready  to  start  with  our  cargoes  till  noon,  for  both 
the  craft  were  heavily  laden,  even  to  the  water's  edge.  The  raft 
was  fastened  to  our  tub-boat  by  ropes  firmly  attached  to  each 
corner,  and  then,  not  without  fear  of  some  disaster,  we  directed 
our  course  toward  the  shore. 

The  wind  lightened  our  work,  filling  the  sail  and  rendering  the 
task  of  rowing  less  fatiguing.     The  sea  was  calm,  and  we  proceed- 

'    [171] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

ed  for  a  considerable  distance  without  meeting  with  the  least 
impediment. 

While  thus  pleasantly  approaching  the  shore,  Fritz  observed  in 
the  distance  a  large  and  strange-looking  body  floating  on  the 
waves,  and  asked  me  to  examine  it  through  the  telescope. 

I  discovered  at  once  that  it  was  a  turtle  sleeping  on  the  surface 
of  the  water  very  comfortably,  and  totally  unconscious  of  our 
approach. 

Fritz  no  sooner  heard  this  than  he  begged  me  to  steer  toward 
it,  that  he  might  examine  the  singular  creature  more  closely.  It 
never  occurred  to  me  that  it  was  something  more  than  curiosity 
which  caused  him  to  make  the  request,  and  I  steered  at  once 
straight  toward  the  sleeping  animal. 

Fritz  had  his  back  to  me  and  the  outspread  sail  floated  between 
us;  I  was,  therefore,  quite  unaware  of  his  movements  till  a  violent 
shock  caused  the  boat  to  turn  and  thrill,  while  a  noise  as  of  a  rope 
running  through  a  reel  was  followed  by  a  second  shock  and  a  rapid 
rushing  forward  of  the  boat. 

"In  Heaven's  name!"  I  cried,  "what  are  you  about,  Fritz.? 
Do  you  mean  to  run  us  aground  ?" 

"Caught!  caught!"  cried  the  youth,  eagerly.  "I  took  him  by 
surprise.     Oh!  he  must  not  escape!" 

I  saw  at  once  that  my  boy  had  really  struck  the  turtle  with  the 
harpoon,  and  that  the  wounded  animal  was  swimming  away 
rapidly  and  drawing  the  boat  after  him;  for  the  harpoon  was 
fastened  by  a  rope  to  the  windlass. 

I  hastily  lowered  the  sail,  and  rushed  to  the  fore  part  of  the 
boat,  in  order  to  cut  the  cord  with  my  hunting-knife  and  set  the 
turtle  free.  But  Fritz  implored  me  to  wait,  assuring  me  there  was 
no  danger. 

"I  can  cut  the  rope  instantly,  if  it  is  necessary,"  he  said;  and 
at  last  I  gave  way,  and  with  earnest  injunctions  to  him  to  be 
careful,  I  returned  to  the  helm. 

But,  drawn  by  the  turtle,  we  advanced  with  such  fearful  rapidity 

[172] 


ROBINSON 


O 


> 

a 

en 

H 

n 


H 

a 

H 


H 

w 

> 

o 
o 


ROBINSON 

that  I  had  enough  to  do  in  steering  to  keep  our  craft  in  a  direct 
Hne,  and  so  avoid  being  driven  on  some  rock. 

I  noticed  also  that  the  turtle  was  endeavoring  to  reach  the  open 
sea  against  the  wind,  which  blew  toward  land.  I  immediately 
hoisted  the  sail,  and  the  creature,  finding  the  resistance  now  too 
strong  for  him,  directed  his  way  anew  to  the  coast.  By  degrees  we 
were  drawn  into  the  current  leading  from  Deliverance  Bay  to  the 
wreck,  and  at  last  reached  a  soft  sloping  shore,  where  happily  there 
was  no  danger  of  being  driven  against  the  rocks,  and  not  far  from 
Falcon's  Nest. 

At  length,  with  a  shock  like  a  shot  from  a  gun,  we  struck  the 
shore,  but  by  good  fortune  our  boat  preserved  its  balance.  With- 
out delay  I  jumped  into  the  shallow  water  to  reward  the  pilot  who 
had  conducted  us  to  such  a  good  landing-place.  By  means  of  the 
rope  I  reached  the  monster,  who,  with  the  harpoon  in  his  head, 
was  still  struggling  to  escape,  and  after  one  or  two  blows  from  my 
hatchet  he  lay  without  signs  of  life.  Fritz  uttered  a  loud  and  joyful 
cry  of  victory,  and  raising  his  gun,  fired  in  the  air  a  shot,  which  so 
excited  the  surprise  and  curiosity  of  our  little  colony  that  they  all 
came  running  to  the  spot. 

Fritz  sprang  from  the  boat  with  the  head  of  the  turtle  stuck  on 
the  end  of  his  gun,  and  was  received,  as  well  as  myself,  with  a 
thousand  congratulations  and  questions  without  number. 

After  a  few  gentle  reproaches  from  my  wife,  for  leaving  her  and 
the  younger  boys  for  a  whole  night  alone,  the  taking  of  the  turtle 
was  proudly  described,  and  we  were  all  thankful  to  God  that  this 
adventure  had  ended  happily,  without  fatal  consequences  to  us  or 
our  boats. 

I  requested  my  wife  to  go  with  the  boys  and  fetch  from  Falcon's 
Nest  the  animals  and  the  sledge,  that  we  might  place  at  least  a 
part  of  our  cargo  in  safety. 

In  the  mean  time  the  tide,  having  nearly  reached  the  ebb,  re- 
treated, and  left  our  boat  and  the  raft  quite  on  dry  ground. 

I  took  advantage  of  this,  as  we  had  no  anchor,  to  contrive  by 

[175] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

some  means  to  moor  our  little  craft  safely  on  shore.  I  rolled  to 
the  bow  of  the  boat  two  immense  pieces  of  lead  by  the  help  of 
levers.  Round  these  I  tied  the  ends  of  strong  ropes,  already 
attached  to  the  boat  and  the  raft,  so  that  they  should  not  float 
away  when  the  tide  rose. 

The  sledge  arrived  during  this  performance,  and  we  hastily  com- 
menced our  lading.  The  first  article  to  be  placed  upon  it  was 
the  turtle,  which  was  of  an  enormous  size  and  weighed  at  least 
three  hundredweight,  for  with  all  our  united  strength  it  was  as 
much  as  we  could  do  to  place  it  on  the  sledge;  and  to  keep  it  in 
its  place  we  were  obliged  to  pile  up  the  mattresses  and  other  lighter 
articles  round  it. 

It  became  necessary  also  for  us  to  assist  the  two  animals  in 
drawing  their  heavy  load  to  Falcon's  Nest,  and  for  this  purpose  we 
each  exerted  all  our  strength,  some  pushing,  others  pulling;  and 
so  we  marched  in  joyous  procession  toward  home. 

On    arriving,    our 


^1CSSC311 


first  care  was  to  un- 
load the  turtle  and  to 
lay  the  animal  on  his 
back,  as  otherwise  we 
could  not  remove  the 
shell  or  make  use  of 
the  delicate  flesh. 
My  wife  doubted  the 
possibility  of  taking 
ofi^  the  shell  quickly, 
or,  indeed,  without  a 
great  deal  of  trouble; 
I  therefore  seized  a 
hatchet,  and  with  one 
blow  on  the  breast  of 
the  animal  I  separated  a  part  from  the  shell,  and  cut  ofi^  as 
much  of  the  flesh  as  would  serve  for  our  supper,     I  advised  the 

[176] 


R  O  BINS  O  N 

mother  to  cook  this  rich  food  in  the  piece  of  shell,  and  to  add 
only  a  very  little  salt. 

"  But  I  must  first  cut  away  this  green  fat  which  is  attached  to 
the  meat,"  she  exclaimed;  "it  appears  to  be  very  disgusting." 

"No,  no,  my  dear!"  I  cried,  "that  green  fat  is  the  best  part 
and  will  give  a  most  delicious  flavor  to  our  dish  this  evening. 
But  if  you  think  there  is  too  much,  remove  what  you  think  proper, 
and  it  can  be  salted  down  with  the  flesh  that  remains.  The  head, 
the  paws,  and  the  entrails  we  will  give  to  the  dogs." 

"And  the  shell,"  cried  Fritz;  "could  we  not  make  it  into  a 
water-trough  .?  It  would  be  so  pleasant  to  have  clean  fresh  water 
for  our  bath,  or  to  wash  our  hands." 

"That  would  indeed  be  useful,"  I  replied,  "if  your  plan  could 
be  carried  out;  but  a  trough  requires  something  to  support  it, 
and  for  that  we  should  want  loam  or  clay  to  cement  our  stones." 

"Oh!  I  can  supply  you  with  clay,  then,"  exclaimed  Jack,  putting 

in  his  word.     "There  is  a  splendid  heap  under  the  roots  of  our 

if 
tree. 

" I  am  glad  to  hear  such  news,"  I  replied.  "Where  did  you  find 
it.  Jack  ?" 

"  He  brought  it  home  this  morning  from  the  banks  of  the  river," 
said  his  mother,  "and  was  so  besmeared  with  mud  and  clay  that 
I  was  obliged  to  give  him  a  thorough  good  washing." 

"Ah,  yes,  mamma,  but  you  know  I  told  you  I  should  never 
have  discovered  the  clay  if  my  foot  had  not  slipped  while  I  was 
walking  on  the  shore  and  in  I  went;  no  wonder  my  face  and 
hands  were  in  such  a  dreadful  condition." 

"When  you  have  decided  about  the  water-trough,"  said  Ernest, 
"I  will  show  you  some  roots,  papa,  that  I  have  discovered;  they 
are  slightly  withered,  and  I  was  afraid  to  taste  one,  although  our 
old  sow  eats  them  up  as  if  they  were  delicious.  It  appears  to  me 
a  sort  of  radish-root." 

"Let  me  look  at  these  roots,  Ernest,"  I  said.  "You  were  quite 
right  not  to  taste  one,  for  there  are  many  things  suitable  for  ani- 

[^77] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

mals  which  are  injurious  to  human  beings.  How  did  you  discover 
them  ?" 

"  I  was  rambling  about  this  morning,"  he  rephed,  "  and  I  noticed 
the  sow  scraping  among  the  shrubs  and  swallowing  something 
very  greedily;  so  I  drove  her  away,  and  found  a  number  of  roots 
she  had  dug  up,  and  here  they  are." 

After  examining  the  roots  carefully,  I  exclaimed: 

"If  I  am  not  mistaken,  my  son,  you  have  made  a  valuable  dis- 
covery, as  useful  as  potatoes,  sufficient  of  itself  to  preserve  us  from 
starvation  if  other  things  fail.  I  believe  this  is  the  manihot,  or  yam, 
of  which  beautiful  cakes,  called  cassava  cakes,  are  made  in  the 
East  Indies.  But  it  must  be  carefully  prepared,  otherwise  it  will 
not  be  edible,  for  it  contains  a  dangerous  poison.  However,  you 
must  show  me  the  spot  on  which  you  found  the  roots,  and  if  there 
are  any  left  we  can  try  at  least  to  make  bread  of  it;  and  I  think  we 
shall  succeed." 

While  talking,  we  had  been  still  busily  engaged  m  unloading  the 
sledge,  and  that  task  being  now  completed,  I  again  set  off  with  the 
three  older  boys  to  fetch  another  load  from  the  boat  before  supper. 
The  mother  and  Frank  remained  behind,  and  I  advised  them  to 
prepare  the  flesh  of  the  turtle,  and  cook  it  in  the  shell,  so  that 
when  we  returned,  tired  and  hungry,  we  should  find  a  royal  dish 
awaiting  us,  fit  for  a  prince. 

On  our  way  Fritz  asked  me  if  snuff-boxes  and  many  other  beau- 
tiful things  were  not  made  of  the  shell  of  the  turtle,  and  if  so, 
would  it  not  be  a  pity  to  use  it  for  a  water-trough. 

I  explained  to  him  that  the  creature  we  called  a  turtle  was  in 
reality  a  sea-tortoise,  arftl  that  the  beautiful  and  useful  shell  be- 
longed to  the  land-tortoise,  of  which  neither  the  eggs  nor  the  flesh 
was  considered  suitable  for  food,  the  latter  being  looked  upon  as 
carrion. 

"Tortoise-shell,"  I  said,  "greatly  resembles  the  shell  of  the  turtle 
which  you  have  captured;  but  it  requires  a  large  amount  of  prep- 
aration to  give  it  that  bright  and  transparent  appearance  which 

[178] 


ROBINSON 

we  admire  in  tortoise-shell  combs,  or  other  articles  for  ornament. 
The  shell,  when  removed  from  the  creature,  is  subjected  to  the 
heat  of  fire,  which  cleanses  and  purifies  it,  and  renders  it  capable 
of  receiving  a  very  high  polish.  The  turtle's  shell  does  not  possess 
these  qualities,  and  is  therefore  less  valuable." 

On  reaching  the  shore,  we  hastily  loaded  the  sledge  with  as 
much  as  it  would  carry;  the  two  chests,  the  wagon-wheels,  and 
the  hand-mill,  which  the  discovery  of  the  manihot  rendered  doubly 
important  and  precious  to  us — and  as  many  smaller  things  as  we 
could  find  room  for. 

When  we  returned  to  Falcon's  Nest  in  the  evening,  my  wife 
received  us  with  most  unusual  signs  of  joy,  and  said,  laughing: 

"  I  expect  you  are  dreadfully  fatigued  after  two  such  days  of  hard 
work;  but  never  mind,  I  have  something  here  that  will  quickly 
cure  all  that.  Come  and  see  the  refreshing  draught  which  I  have 
discovered  and  exposed  to  the  cool  evening  air,  that  you  may 
drink  it  in  perfection." 

I  followed  where  she  led,  and  saw  a  half-buried  cask  covered 
with  branches  of  trees  to  keep  it  cool,  and  wondered  what  refresh- 
ing drink  it  could  contain. 

"See!"  she  cried;  "it  was  for  this  that  I  visited  the  beach  this 
morning;  it  has  evidently  been  washed  on  shore  from  the  wreck, 
and  I  have  taken  great  care  to  keep  it  cool  and  preserve  the 
freshness.  The  children  think  it  is  Canary  sack,  and  I  hope  they 
have  guessed  rightly,  that  you  may  find  it  really  refreshing." 

As  we  had  no  means  of  drawing  out  the  wine  but  through  the 
bung-hole,  I  inserted  a  hollow  cane  as  an  experiment,  and  drew 
up  by  suction  a  refreshing  draught  of  the  most  delicious  Canary 
sack  I  had  ever  tasted  in  my  life,  and  thanked  my  dear  wife 
for  her  care  and  thoughtfulness  in  fetching  home  such  a  precious 
beverage. 

The  boys  now  eagerly  surrounded  me,  and  begged  to  be  allowed 
to  taste.  I  permitted  them  to  drink  by  turns,  but  they  soon  be- 
came so  excited  and  greedy,  and  so  anxious  for  more,  that  I  was 

[  179] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

obliged  to  send  them  away  and  carefully  close  the  opening  of  the 
cask. 

"I  am  ashamed  to  see  you  so  greedy,"  I  exclaimed;  "it  is  like 
an  animal  to  long  for  that  which  tickles  the  palate,  and  you  forget 
the  danger  you  incur  of  becoming  tipsy." 

By  these  remarks  I  restrained  the  eager  boys,  and  obliged  them 
to  desist,  especially  when  I  pointed  out  the  ill-breeding  their  con- 
duct displayed.  So  ashamed  were  the  young  people  of  their 
greediness  that  they  readily  acknowledged  their  fault,  and  by  at- 
tention and  obedience  for  the  rest  of  the  evening  to  their  mother 
and  myself,  endeavored  to  atone  for  it,  and  came  quietly  to  the 
supper  of  turtle  which  their  kind  mother  had  prepared  for  us,  and 
which  proved  simply  delicious.  It  was  not,  therefore,  surprising 
that  when  we  ascended  to  our  sleeping-rooms  in  the  tree,  and  laid 
ourselves  down  on  the  mattresses  we  had  brought  from  the  ship, 
we  quickly  sank  into  a  sweet  and  refreshing  sleep. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XV 


THE    WHEELBARROWS   AND   THE    TURTLE 

|T  daybreak  next  morning  I  rose,  and  descended  the 
ladder  without  the  least  noise,  lest  I  should  arouse 
my  still  sleeping  family.  I  was  anxious  also  to  visit 
our  vessels  on  the  beach  as  quickly  as  possible. 
Beneath  the  tree,  however,  I  found  plenty  of  life 
and  activity.  The  two  watch-dogs  came  springing  and  jumping 
toward  me,  and  asking,  in  their  own  intelligent  manner,  to  be 
allowed  to  accompany  me;  the  cocks  crowed  and  flapped  their 
wings,  the  hens  clucked,  and  the  goat  bounded  over  the  soft  grass. 
The  ass  alone  reposed  comfortably,  and  appeared  to  be  enjoying 
his  morning  dream,  without  the  least  inclination  for  the  walk 
which  I  wished  him  to  take. 

He  was  quickly  aroused,  however,  and  harnessed  to  the  sledge 
alone,  for  I  would  not  disturb  the  cow,  as  she  had  not  been  milked. 
I  summoned  the  dogs  to  follow  me,  and  then  we  took  our^way  to 
the  beach.  There,  to  my  great  comfort,  I  found  the  boat  and  the 
raft  still  safe;  although  the  tide  during  the  night  had  risen,  yet  the 
pieces  of  lead  and  iron  bars  to  which  I  had  fastened  them  had 
resisted  its  force  and  kept  them  from  drifting  away. 

Without  delay  I  placed  upon  the  sledge  a  load  which  I  thought 
our  good  gray  charger  could  draw  without  difficulty,  and  with 
sufficient  quickness  to  enable  me  to  return  to  Falcon's  Nest  in 
time  for  breakfast. 

The  sun  was,  however,  high  in  the  heavens  when  I  reached  the 
tree,  and  I  was  astonished  beyond  measure  to  find  the  whole  of 
my  family  still  sleeping  profoundly.     Not  a  creature  was  stirring. 

[i8i] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

I  made  as  much  clatter  and  noise  as  if  a  besieging  army  was 
approaching,  to  arouse  the  sleepers.  My  wife  was  the  first 
to  appear,  and  was  not  a  little  surprised  to  find  the  day  so  far 
advanced. 

"Well,"  she  exclaimed,  "there  must  be  a  magic  power  in  those 
mattresses  to  make  us  sleep  like  this.  I  have  found  the  greatest 
difficulty  in  rousing  myself,  and  the  poor  children  are  still  under 
the  same  magic  influence." 

And  in  fact,  when  they  were  at  last  aroused,  they  rubbed  their 
eyes,  yawned  and  stretched,  and  seemed  more  than  half  inclined 
to  fall  asleep  again. 

"Up,  up!"  I  cried  in  a  still  louder  voice.  "Brave  boys  should 
wake  at  the  first  summons,  and  spring  out  of  bed  with  life  and 
quickness." 

After  this,  Fritz  was  the  first  to  show  himself,  and  Ernest  the 
last  to  creep  down  the  ladder,  for  he  had  always  a  strong  disin- 
clination to  leave  his  bed.  Indeed,  his  mother  had  already  pre- 
pared breakfast  before  he  made  his  appearance;  and  I  talked  to 
him  seriously  on  the  danger  of  giving  way  to  the  habit  of  late 
rising  in  the  morning. 

After  our  usual  morning  prayers  we  enjoyed  a  hasty  breakfast, 
and  quickly  removing  the  articles  from  the  sledge,  we  repaired 
again  to  the  shore,  for  I  was  anxious  to  have  both  the  boat  and 
the  raft  unloaded  before  noon,  that  they  might  be  ready  to  float 
as  soon  as  the  tide  served. 

By  the  time  we  reached  Falcon's  Nest  with  our  last  load  the 
tide  had  risen,  and  I  hastily  took  leave  of  my  wife  and  the  three 
younger  boys,  intending  only  to  take  Fritz;  but  Jack  seemed  so 
anxious  to  accompany  us,  that  I  at  length  gave  him  permission,  to 
his  great  delight. 

As  soon  as  the  tide  was  high  enough  to  float  the  vessels  I 
steered  at  once  to  Deliverance  Bay,  for  the  beautiful  vs^eather  and 
the  calm  sea  tempted  me  to  venture  on  another  voyage  to  the 
wreck.     At  first  this  proved  a  difficult  task;  yet,  in  spite  of  the 

[i8z] 


ROBINSON 

wind,  which  blew  freshly  from  the  sea,  and  the  tide  being  against 
us,  we  attained  our  object,  and  reached  the  current,  which  carried 
us  quickly  to  the  ship. 

By  this  time,  however,  it  was  too  late  to  carry  away  anything  of 
importance,  so  I  merely  collected  together  what  could  be  packed 
quickly  and  without  much  trouble.  Jack,  who  ran  here  and  there, 
making  a  tremendous  clatter,  had  already  added  small  yet  useful 
articles  to  our  store,  and  presently  came  up,  in  a  tumult  of  delight, 
to  show  us  a  wheelbarrow  which  he  had  found.  But  while  he  was 
exulting  in  its  usefulness  as  a  conveyance  to  carry  the  potatoes  he 
had  dug  up  to  Falcon's  Nest,  Fritz  came  to  tell  us  that  he  had 
discovered  something  far  more  useful  than  a  wheelbarrow — the 
ship's  pinnace.^ 

I  accompanied  him  to  the  spot,  and  found  the  pinnace  packed 
carefully  in  the  centre  of  an  enclosure,  every  part  complete, 
although  separated,  and  even  supplied  with  two  small  cannon. 

In  the  midst  of  my  joy  at  this  discovery  I  saw  clearly,  however, 
that  to  raise  the  boat  from  its  present  position,  and  to  get  it 
properly  fitted  together  and  launched  on  the  sea,  would  not  only 
be  a  work  of  time,  but  require  a  large  amount  of  strength,  exertion, 
and  skill. 

This,  however,  was  not  the  time  to  commence  such  an  under- 
taking; so  I  overlooked  the  boys  as  they  loaded  the  raft,  and 
advised  them  to  choose  the  most  useful  articles.  Among  others  a 
copper  kettle,  a  grindstone,  two  large  iron  plates,  a  powder-cask,  a 
box  of  flint  stones,  which  were  most  welcome  to  me,  several  to- 
bacco-graters, and  two  more  wheelbarrows  besides  Jack's,  which 
he  was  not  likely  to  forget.  We  had  scarcely  time  to  take  a 
slight  refreshment  before  we  again  set  sail,  for  I  was  anxious  to 
avoid  being  met  by  a  wind  from  the  land,  which  generally  rose 
after  sunset. 

As  we  neared  the  shore  we  observed  with  astonishment  a  group 
of  figures  standing  in  a  long  row,  and  regarding  us  with  great 
*  A  kind  of  little  ship  with  a  four-cornered  stern  sail. 

[183] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

curiosity.  They  might  have  been  taken  for  little  people  wearing 
white  waistcoats,  with  arms  hanging  down  at  their  sides,  which 
from  time  to  time  they  raised  softly,  as  if  they  wished  to  welcome 
us  with  a  brotherly  embrace. 

"Well!"  I  exclaimed,  laughing,  "are  we  in  a  country  inhabited 
by  pigmies,  who  have  hastened  here  to  receive  us  ?" 

'"No,  papa!"  cried  Jack.  "I  believe  they  are  Lilliputians, 
though  rather  larger,  however,  than  those  I  have  read  of." 

But  as  we  approached  nearer  my  knowledge  of  natural  history 
came  to  my  aid. 

"They  are  birds  called  penguins,"  I  exclaimed.  "I  can  dis- 
tinguish them  more  plainly  now.  They  are  as  easily  caught  as  the 
boobies  which  Ernest  drove  from  the  body  of  the  dead  shark. 
Although  excellent  swimmers,  they  are  helpless  on  land,  for  they 
can  neither  fly  nor  run  from  danger.  In  fact,  these  birds  are  easy 
prey  for  the  sportsman." 

While  I  thus  spoke  we  were  cautiously  approaching  the  land, 
that  we  might  still  longer  enjoy  this  singular  spectacle;  but  no 
sooner  had  the  boat  reached  a  spot  where  the  water  was  shallow, 
than  Jack  sprang  out  of  his  tub  and  waded  to  the  shore.  Before 
the  penguins  had  noticed  him  he  was  among  them,  and  in  a 
very  few  moments  had  knocked  down  five  or  six  of  the  birds. 
Those  who  remained  evidently  considered  this  a  very  unkind 
greeting,  for  they  hastily  plunged  into  the  water,  swimming  and 
diving  so  quickly  that  they  soon  vanished  from  our  eyes. 

Fritz  grumbled  bitterly  at  Jack  for  frightening  the  birds  and 
preventing  him  from  having  a  shot  at  them,  but  I  laughingly  told 
him  that  while  he  was  considering  when  and  how  he  should  use 
his  gun.  Jack  had  settled  the  matter  with  a  stick.  At  the  same 
time  I  endeavored  to  check  in  the  thoughtless  boys  the  dispo- 
sition to  destroy  God's  creatures  unless  they  were  absolutely 
needed  for  food.  I  explained  to  them  also  that  the  flesh  of  the 
penguin  had  an  oily,  fishy  taste,  which  to  some  persons  was  very 
disagreeable, 

[184] 


ROBINSON 


HE   KNOCKED  DOWN  FIVE 
OR     SIX     OF     THE     BIRDS 


ROBINSON 

I  then  examined  the  prey,  and  found  two  birds  dead,  but  the 
rest  only  stunned;  indeed,  they  had  to  a  great  degree  recovered 
themselves  and  were  very  gravely  attempting  to  waddle  away.  We, 
however,  seized  them  quickly,  and,  after  tying  their  legs  together, 
left  them  on  the 
shore  with  the 
two  dead  birds, 
where  they  were 
obliged  to  wait 
till  we  had  dis- 
charged our 
cargo. 

The  approach- 
ing sunset,  how- 
ever, made  it  im- 
possible for  us  to 
do  much.  We 
contented  our- 
selves  with    fill- 


ing; each  awheel- 
barrow  as  full  as 
possible,  so  that 
at  least  we  might 
carry  something 
to  Falcon's  Nest. 
We  did  not  for- 
get to  take  with 
us  also  the  dead 

and  living  penguins;  and  at  last  set  out  on  our  way,  each  driv- 
ing a  loaded  wheelbarrow,  for  we  had  found  three  on  board. 

When  the  singular  procession  reached  Falcon's  Nest  we  were 
welcomed  by  our  watchful  body-guard  with  far-resounding  barks; 
but  as  soon  as  they  discovered  that  the  wheels  they  had  heard  be- 
longed to  friends,  they  displayed  their  joy  by  springing  and  bound- 

[187]'  ■ 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

ing  upon  us  in  an  ecstasy  of  delight;  rather  too  much,  indeed, 
for  Jack,  who  had  the  greatest  difficulty  in  preventing  the  dogs 
from  upsetting  his  barrow  with  their  gambols.  Only  by  dealing 
blows  right  and  left  with  his  little  fists,  which  they  scarcely  felt, 
could  he  at  last  rid  himself  of  their  politeness,  while  his  angry 
efforts  made  his  mother,  as  well  as  Ernest  and  little  Frank,  laugh 
heartily. 

My  wife  was,  however,  delighted  with  our  barrows  and  their 
contents,  excepting  that  she  looked  rather  doubtfully  at  the  iron 
plates  and  the  tobacco-graters.  We  lost  no  time  in  setting  free 
the  living  penguins,  but  I  tied  them  by  the  leg  to  a  tree  among 
our  ducks  and  geese,  in  the  hope  that  by  association  with  these 
companions  they  would  become  tame,  and  by  degrees  reconciled 
to  their  new  abode. 

My  wife  pointed  out  to  me  a  splendid  store  of  potatoes,  which 
she  and  the  two  boys  had  collected  during  our  absence,  and  also 
a  large  number  of  roots  similar  to  those  which  Ernest  had  dis- 
covered on  the  day  previous,  which  I  recognized  as  manioc  or 
tapioca — at  least,  tapioca  is  prepared  from  this  root — and  of 
course  I  warmly  praised  their  industry. 

"Ah,  yes,  papa,"  said  little  Frank;  "but  what  would  you  say  to 
our  field  of  Indian  corn,  and  pumpkins,  and  melons  ?" 

"Oh, you  chatterbox!"  exclaimed  his  mother;  "you  have  spoiled 
it  all  and  deprived  me  of  a  great  pleasure.  I  did  not  wish  your 
father  to  know  of  this  till  the  plants  were  above  the  ground.  It 
would  have  been  delightful  to  see  his  surprise  when  the  green 
stalks  appeared." 

"I  am  sorry,  dear  mamma,"  I  replied;  "but  the  surprise  has 
only  occurred  a  little  sooner,  and  I  am  equally  pleased  at  the 
experiment.     Where  did  you  procure  seeds  for  such  a  purpose .?" 

"From  the  magic  bag,"  she  replied,  with  a  smile;  "and  I  sowed 
them  in  the  soil  after  we  had  removed  the  potatoes,  without  dis- 
turbing the  small  ones.  I  hope,  therefore,  we  shall  have  a  splendid 
harvest  when  it  all  grows  up." 

[188] 


:i» 


ROBINSON 

"You  have  done  well,  dear  wife,"  I  said,  "and  I  hope  your 
plan  will  be  successful." 

The  tobacco-graters  were  lying  on  the  ground  near  us,  and  my 
wife,  pointing  to  them,  inquired : 

"What  use  are  those  tobacco-raspers,  dear  husband?  I  hope 
you  do  no  intend  us  to  take  snuff  or  to  smoke  ?" 

"Truly  not,"  I  replied,  laughing.  "The  thought  of  introducing 
such  dirty  and  unpleasant  habits  never  entered  my  mind.  I  have 
brought  those  graters  for  a  very  different  object.  A  little  new 
bread  will  be  a  great  treat  to  us,  and  to  obtain  it  these  tobacco- 
raspers  are  indispensable.  I  hope,  therefore,  you  will  no  longer 
look  upon  them  with  such  disdainful  eyes." 

"Well!"  she  exclaimed,  "what  tobacco-graters  have  to  do  with 
new  bread  I  cannot  imagine.  Besides,  where  is  the  baking-oven, 
even  if  you  had  flour .?" 

"These  iron  plates  will  supply  the  place  of  an  oven,"  I  replied; 
"  fl-at  cakes  can  be  baked  upon  them,  although  perhaps  not  loaves. 
And  as  for  flour,  that  can  be  obtained  from  the  cassava-roots  dis- 
covered by  Ernest.  If  you  will  make  a  small  strong  bag  of  sail- 
cloth, we  will  try  an  experiment  with  our  new  pastry  before  we 
sleep  to-night." 

My  wife  readily  agreed  to  get  the  bag  ready,  but  I  could  see 
that  she  doubted  mv  judgment,  for  she  filled  the  newly  arrived 
copper  kettle  with  potatoes,  which  she  placed  on  the  fire,  to  be 
ready  for  our  supper  in  case  the  bread-baking  should  be  a  failure. 

In  the  mean  time  I  took  a  large  piece  of  sail-cloth  and  spread 
it  on  the  ground;  and  then,  assembling  my  young  folks,  com- 
menced at  once  without  delay  to  instruct  them  in  the  art  of  making 
bread  from  the  cassava-root.  In  the  hands  of  each  I  placed  one 
of  the  tobacco-graters  and  a  root,  which,  as  well  as  the  grater,  had 
been  carefully  cleaned  and  washed  by  their  mother.  At  my  com- 
mand each  began  to  scrape  the  root  he  held  in  his  hand  over  the 
sail-cloth,  and  in  a  very  short  time  it  was  covered  with  what  re- 
sembled moist  sawdust,  and  had  not  a  very  tempting  appearance. 

[189] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

The  boys  worked  readily  and  pleasantly,  yet  constantly  making 
jokes  about  bread  being  made  from  radishes,  and  calling  it  famous 
fun. 

"The  cassava-root  is  not  to  be  despised,"  I  said.  "In  America 
it  forms  the  chief  food  of  the  natives,  who  know  very  little  of  bread 
made  from  European  corn.*  There  is  more  than  one  species  of 
cassava.  One  sort  grows  and  ripens  quickly,  another  is  not  so 
rapid  in  growth,  and  the  third  takes  two  years  to  come  to  per- 
fection. The  first  two  are  poisonous  if  eaten  raw;  yet  these  are 
preferred,  not  only  on  account  of  the  fruit  they  bear,  which  ripens 
quickly,  but  because  when  the  scrapings  from  the  roots  have  been 
pressed  the  finest  flour  is  produced." 

"Why  must  it  be  pressed  .?"  asked  Ernest. 

"To  remove  the  sap  or  juice,  which  alone  contains  the  hurtful 
qualities.  The  dry  pith  is  most  wholesome,  and  extremely  nutri- 
tious. At  all  events,  we  will  be  very  cautious  with  our  first  attempt 
and  not  venture  to  eat  a  morsel  till  the  ape  and  the  chickens  have 
tasted  it;  and  if  they  receive  no  harm,  we  may  eat  the  cakes  in 
safety" 

This  arrangement  was  readily  agreed  to  by  all;  and  when  we 
had  scraped  a  sufficient  quantity  of  the  cassava-root  I  filled  the 
bag  which  my  wife  had  made  with  the  scrapings,  and  tied  the 
mouth  of  it  tightly  together,  so  that  when  pressed  the  poisonous 
sap  might  flow  out  between  the  threads  of  the  cloth. 

To  obtain  the  means  of  pressing,  I  had  already  fixed  upon,  as  a 
substitute  for  a  pressing  machine,  a  contrivance  in  which  the  boys 
were  greatly  interested.  I  laid  two  or  three  smooth  planks  on  one 
of  the  roots  of  the  fig-tree  which  held  our  aerial  castle,  and  placing 
the  bag  of  flour  upon  them,  covered  it  with  another  plank.  Across 
this  plank  I  laid  one  of  our  levers,  with  one  end  under  the  arched 
root,  and  heaping  up  on  the  other  end  lead,  iron  bars,  and  stones, 
with  every  heavy  article  I  could  find.     By  this  means  the  bag  was 

*  America  was  not  so  well  known  to  Europeans  when  this  story  was  written, 
in  1813,  as  it  is  now. 

[190] 


ROBINSON 

subjected  to  a  strong  pressure,  and  very  soon  the  sap  was  seen 
flowing  to  the  ground  beneath. 

Presently  my  wife  remarked,  "If  we  have  to  press  and  scrape 
the  roots  every  time  we  make  our  bread,  we  shall  be  employed  the 
whole  day  in  baking." 

"  Not  so,"  I  replied.  "  When  the  cassava-flour  is  once  dry,  it  can 
be  placed  in  a  cask,  and  will  keep  good  for  years.  It  is  only 
necessary  to  be  careful  not  to  take  from  it  more  at  a  time  than  we 
require  for  baking,  so  that  there  may  be  always  some  left  to  fall 
back  upon  in  case  of  need." 

"Papa,"  exclaimed  Fritz,  "I  think  we  could  commence  bread- 
making  at  once;  not  a  drop  of  sap  is  falling  from  the  bag  now." 

"I  am  quite  willing,"  I  replied;  "but  before  we  attempt  to 
make  bread  for  ourselves,  a  cake  must  be  baked  for  the  chickens 
and  the  ape;  and  if  they  eat  it  willingly,  and  without  harm  to 
themselves,  we  can  very  safely  follow  their  example." 

The  bag  was  opened  and  the  meal  spread  out  to  dry.  I  then 
moistened  a  small  quantity  with  water  and  made  a  small  cake. 
The  remainder  I  stirred  up  and  shook,  that  it  might  be  again 
placed  under  the  press.  This  cake  was  then  laid  on  one  of  the 
iron  plates  over  a  clear  fire,  made  as  usual  between  large  stones 
on  the  earth;  and  as  soon  as  the  under  side  was  brown  it  was 
turned,  and,  when  sufficiently  baked,  taken  out  to  cool. 

Meanwhile  the  boys  attracted  a  few  of  the  fowls  and  the  ape  to 
the  spot;  but  the  cake  exhaled  such  a  delicious  odor  that  they 
looked  with  envy  at  the  piece  I  gave  to  the  ape,  and  I  believe, 
had  I  not  firmly  opposed  their  longing,  they  would  also  have 
helped  themselves  to  a  portion. 

"If  this  is  the  poisonous  root,  will  it  stupefy  the  animals  or 
cause  them  pain  ?"  asked  Fritz. 

"There  are  two  chief  qualities  of  poison  in  these  plants  which 
occasion  death,"  I  replied.  "One,  which  is  painful  in  the  extreme, 
produces  eff'ects  like  those  of  arsenic  and  sublimate;  the  other 
stupefying  the  sensibilities  of  the  nerves,  or  creating  unnatural 

[■9>] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

excitement  similar  to  the  effects  of  opium  or  the  poisonous  fungus 
sometimes  mistaken  for  mushrooms.  Taken  in  small  quantities, 
these  poisons  injure  the  health  with  lingering  disorders,  which 
shatter  the  constitution  and  eventually  end  in  death.  They  are 
therefore  described  as  slow  poisons. 

"The  quick  and  almost  sudden  poisons  require  oily  or  fat 
remedies,  such  as  oil,  buttermilk,  barley-water,  and  the  like,  to 
deaden  the  pain.  The  stupefying  poisons,  on  the  contrary,  require 
emetics  or  bitters  to  relieve  the  stomach  and  rouse  the  nerves 
from  their  insensibility  or  irritation,  and  thus  remove  the  effects  of 
the  poison  by  a  'counter-irritant.'" 

I  noticed  with  satisfaction  that  while  we  talked  the  fowls  were 
eagerly  eating  up  the  crumbs,  and  Master  Nip  devouring  his  piece 
of  the  cake  with  great  rapidity. 

"What  do  they  call  this  bread  in  America,  papa  ?"  asked  Fritz, 
presently. 

"At  the  Antilles,  where  the  root  is  chiefly  found,  they  call  it 
cassava-bread,"  I  replied.  "But  see,  my  dear,"  I  continued,  ad- 
dressing my  wife,  "the  animals  have  eaten  it  all,  and  we  must 
begin  our  baking  performances  early  to-morrow  morning  if  we 
find  that  our  cassava-tasters  are  not  the  worse  for  what  they  have 
eaten." 

"And  if  they  are  all  right,  papa,"  said  Ernest,  "it  will  prove 
that  my  roots  are  not  of  the  poisonous  species." 

"Yes,  my  boy,"  I  replied;  "but  I  must  still  warn  you  that  there 
are  many  similar  roots  which  are  not  only  poisonous  in  themselves, 
but  also  bear  poisonous  fruits  and  flowers,  and  even  leaves,  which 
are  sometimes  useful  as  medicine  when  prepared  by  chemists  or 
doctors,  but  are  certain  death  if  eaten  from  the  plant.  I  hope, 
therefore,  you  will  be  careful,  as  I  have  told  you  before,  and  never 
attempt  to  eat  anything  you  find,  however  tempting  it  appears,  till 
you  have  shown  it  to  me.  And  now  we  have  said  so  much  about 
poisonous  objects  we  will  turn  to  something  more  agreeable.  We 
can   have   confidence   in   the  wholesome   food   which   the    good 

[  192] 


ROBINSON 

mother  has  prepared  for  us.     Roasted  penguin  and  potatoes  will 
do  us  no  harm." 

We  readily  seated  ourselves  on  the  benches  and  at  the  table, 
which  I  had  constructed  with  planks  on  the  fig-tree  roots,  to  par- 
take of  supper.  We  found  the  potatoes  excellent;  and  although 
the  flesh  of  the  penguin  was  fishy  in  taste  and  rather  tough,  it  was 
not  so  bad,  after  all.  And  we  could  once  more  thank  God  for 
His  benefits  as  we  retired,  with  appeased  appetites,  to  the  longed- 
for  rest  in  our  castle  on  the  tree. 


TiiE  SWISS  FAMILY 


\             1 

M 

J^ 

> 

^ 

!;s^ 

k 

CHAPTER  XVI 

THE    PINNACE    AND   THE    PETARD 

HE  following  morning  our  first  care  was  to  visit  the 
fowls  and  the  monkey,  to  ascertain  if  they  were  in- 
jured by  the  cassava-cakes;  but  they  were  all  as  live- 
ly as  ever;  we  therefore  set  to  work  eagerly  to  bake 
for  ourselves. 

While  pressing  the  flour  a  large  fire  was  lighted,  and  that  there 
should  be  no  waste  of  fuel,  a  large  saucepan  full  of  potatoes  was 
placed  upon  it  to  boil,  till  the  embers  became  clear  enough  for 
baking. 

By  this  time  the  cakes  were  ready  to  place  upon  the  iron  plates. 
They  were  in  the  form  of  a  semicircle,  so  that  I  could  easily  grasp 
them,  and  the  boys,  who  enjoyed  the  fun,  made  some  little  cakes 
for  themselves,  which  they  mixed  in  cocoanut-shells.  Of  course 
some  of  these  were  slightly  burnt,  and  others  not  half  baked; 
but  that  was  a  trifling  matter,  for  the  fowls,  the  pigeons,  and 
the  dogs  would  eat  them  with  as  much  relish  as  if  they  were 
perfection. 

Even  the  boys  themselves  could  scarcely  refrain  from  breaking 
off^  pieces  of  the  cakes  before  they  were  thoroughly  baked,  and 
popping  them  into  their  mouths;  for  the  smell,  so  like  that  of 
newly  baked  bread,  was  too  tempting  to  be  resisted. 

In  good  time,  however,  the  loaves  were  finished,  and  we  had  a 
large  store  of  bread  in  our  possession,  to  our  great  satisfaction. 
The  boys  were  so  proud  of  their  performances,  that  each  ate 
his  own  cakes  for  breakfast;  and  certainly,  with  butter,  I  could 
almost  fancy  I  was  eating  hot  rolls  in  our  own  dear  country.     A 

[  194] 


ROBINSON 

large  bowl  of  new  milk  added  to  our  meal  made  it  a  repast  fit  for 
a  king. 

As  1  scattered  the  crumbs  of  this  costly  feast  among  our  feathered 
folk,  I  was  surprised  to  observe  that  the  penguin,  which  we  had 
made  a  prisoner,  and  tied  to  a  tree  near  the  ducks  and  geese, 
seemed  quite  at  home,  and  followed  their  example  in  picking  up 
the  crumbs  without  the  least  shyness.  I  decided,  therefore,  to 
release  him  from  confinement,  and  give  him  his  liberty,  to  his 
great  satisfaction. 

This  success  in  bread-making,  however,  did  not  remove  my 
strong  desire  to  pay  another  visit  to  the  wreck  with  the  boys,  and 
by  our  united  efforts 
endeavor  to  manage 
the  pinnace  which  we 
had  discovered  on  the 
previous  day. 

The  good  mother  at 
first  was  not  to  be  con- 
vinced that  anything 
could  make  it  neces- 
sary for  me  to  venture 
again  on  the  treacher- 
ous sea,  especially  as 
I  wished  to  take  all 
the  boys  excepting  lit- 
de Frank.  Aftermuch 
explanation  and  coax- 
ing, she  at  length  unwillingly  consented,  and  then  only  on  con- 
dition that  I  would  give  my  word  to  return  the  same  evening 
and  on  no  account  remain  another  night  on  the  wreck. 

I  reluctantly  gave  the  promise  she  required,  but  her  fears  made 
me  uneasy,  and  I  left  her  and  Frank  alone  at  last  with  many  sighs 
and  a  heavy  heart. 

The  boys  were  delighted,  as  usual,  at  the  prospect  of  anything 

[195] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

new,  P^rnest,  especially,  laughed  joyously  at  the  thought  that  he 
was  to  accompany  me  with  his  brothers  once  more.  We  packed 
up  a  good  store  of  provisions,  including  cassava-cakes  and  potatoes, 
and  buckled  on  our  cork  belts.  Our  way  led  us  to  Deliverance 
Bay,  at  which  we  arrived  without  adventure,  and  after  feeding  the 
ducks  and  geese  there,  entered  the  tub-boat,  and,  with  the  raft  in 
tow,  proceeded  on  our  way. 

Immediately  on  arriving  at  the  wreck  I  advised  the  boys  to  load 
the  raft  and  the  boat  with  the  first  things  that  came  to  hand,  so 
that  at  least  we  might  not  return  empty  to  Falcon's  Nest,  and  then 
I  hastened  to  have  one  more  look  at  the  pinnace. 

Two  points  presented  themselves  of  overpowering  difficulty. 
One  was,  that  each  part  of  the  little  vessel  had  to  be  fitted  together 
correctly.  The  enclosed  place  in  which  this  vessel  lay  was  behind 
the  officers'  cabins,  and  also  quite  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
wreck  to  that  at  which  we  usually  anchored  our  boat.  There 
appeared,  indeed,  not  half  enough  room  for  us  in  the  space  occu- 
pied by  the  pinnace  to  fit  the  various  parts  together,  or  to  release 
it  from  the  stocks  on  which  it  stood.  Even  if  w^e  succeeded  in 
the  former  undertaking,  it  would  be  quite  impossible  for  us  to  move 
it  with  every  effort  ot  our  united  strength.  I  contrived,  however, 
to  creep  within  the  enclosure;  and,  by  the  means  of  the  feeble  light 
from  two  narrow  slits  in  the  wooden  partition,  I  discovered,  to  my 
great  satisfaction,  that  each  piece  of  the  vessel  was  carefully  laid  in 
its  proper  place  and,  above  all,  numbered,  and  could,  therefore,  be 
matched  together  with  ease  and  correctness.  If  also  I  had  bold- 
ness enough  to  venture  on  an  experiment  which  would  give  us 
more  room  to  launch  the  vessel  when  finished. 

While  the  boys  were  running  here  and  there  to  find  articles  for 
our  lading,  I  stood  considering  what  plan  I  should  adopt,  but  for 
some  time  without  any  result. 

At  length  my  resolution  was  taken,  and  without  delay  I  pro- 
ceeded to  work  out  the  necessary  preparations.  So  many  diffi- 
culties, however,  still  presented  themselves,  that  it  is  more  than 

[196] 


ROBINSON 

probable  I  should  not  have  attempted  the  undertaking  at  all  but 
for  the  strong  desire  I  felt  to  have  in  my  possession  such  a  beau- 
tiful Httle  vessel,  a  thousand  times  safer  and  more  convenient  than 
our  tub-boat.  At  all  events,  I  was  convinced  that,  with  patience 
and  perseverance,  we  should  be  quite  able  to  reconstruct  the 
pinnace.  And  would  it  not  be  a  joyful  success  to  rebuild  such  a 
ship,  and  have  in  our  possession  a  vessel  so  firm,  and  yet  so  light 
and  easy  to  steer  .?  Yes,  with  the  help  of  my  boys  I  would  put  the 
parts  together,  and  hope  that  some  means  for  launching  it  on  the 
water  would  be  suggested  to  me. 

The  evening  arrived  before  anything  could  be  done  to  the 
pinnace,  and  we  therefore  without  delay  prepared  to  return  home 
with  our  load.  What  was  our  surprise  and  pleasure  on  reaching 
Deliverance  Bay  to  see  the  mother  and  little  Frank  on  the  shore 
waiting  to  receive  us. 

"We  are  going  to  remain  at  Zeltheim,"  said  my  wife,  "till  you 
have  cleared  the  wreck  and  finished  all  your  business  on  board. 
It  will  be  a  shorter  voyage  for  you,  and  we  shall  be  constantly 
opposite  and  within  sight  of  each  other." 

I  could  scarcely  thank  my  brave  wife  sufficiently  for  this  pre- 
caution, more  especially  as  I  knew  how  little  she  liked  residing  at 
Zeltheim;  and  I  was  glad  to  be  able  to  reward  her  self-denial  by 
placing  before  her  eyes  the  articles  we  had  brought  with  us — two 
casks  of  butter,  three  of  flour,  a  case  of  corn  and  rice,  with  a 
number  of  useful  articles,  to  be  placed  in  our  storehouse,  which 
were  to  her  of  the  greatest  value. 

Our  voyages  to  the  wreck  till  the  pinnace  was  completed  oc- 
cupied a  week.  We  started  early  every  morning  regularly,  and 
returned  home  in  the  evening,  heavily  laden  from  the  wreck,  to 
my  wife's  great  satisfaction.  Indeed,  now  that  we  were  compara- 
tively near  to  each  other,  she  let  us  depart  without  the  least 
anxiety. 

During  our  absence  she  and  little  Frank  visited  Falcon's  Nest 
almost  daily,  to  look  after  the  poultry  and  give  them  plenty  of 

[  197] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

provender  as  well  as  to  fetch  away  potatoes  from  the  field  close 
by.  When  we  met  together  in  the  evening,  we  had  plenty  to  talk 
about  while  we  enjoyed  the  delicious  suppers  which  the  mother 
had  provided  for  us  from  her  stores. 

All  this  time  we  had  been  earnestly  employed  in  reconstructing 
the  pinnace,  which  was  at  last  ready  to  be  navigated  and  set  free 
from  her  prison.  Her  appearance  was  neat  and  elegant.  She 
had  a  tiller  at  her  prow  and  a  small  quarter-deck,  on  which  to 
raise  a  mast  and  a  sail  like  a  cutter,  and  we  could  already  foresee 
that  she  would  be  a  good  sailer,  and,  being  of  a  light  build,  would 
not  draw  much  water.  We  had  carefully  caulked  all  the  joints 
and  openings,  and  then  covered  them  with  pitch  or  ship's  tar. 
On  the  quarter-deck  we  placed  the  two  little  cannons,  and  secured 
them  with  chains  in  the  usual  manner  on  board  ship. 

And,  after  all,  there  sat  the  beautiful  thing,  immovable  in  its 
prison;  and  yet  it  seemed  as  if  impatient  and  longing  to  dart  into 
the  sea,  and  to  carry  its  masts  and  spread  its  sails  on  the  bosom 
of  the  ocean.  As  I  contemplated  our  work,  I  felt  it  impossible 
that  all  our  industry  and  efforts  should  come  to  naught.  And 
yet,  before  we  could  set  the  pinnace  free,  a  storm  might  arise  and 
destroy  it  with  the  wreck.  The  thought  of  such  a  disaster  rendered 
me  impatient;  and  I  at  length  determined  upon  a  plan  which 
was  certainly  a  great  risk,  but  no  other  way  lay  open  to  me,  for  to 
cut  through  the  planks  which  enclosed  the  vessel,  or  to  make  an 
opening  in  the  ship's  side,  was  out  of  the  question.  But  I  said 
nothing  to  the  boys  of  my  intention. 

I  found  in  the  steward's  room  an  iron  mortar,  such  as  are  some- 
times used  for  cooking,  and  fastened  it  upon  a  thick  oaken  board 
with  hooks.  Then  with  a  chisel  I  cut  a  groove  in  the  board.  In 
this  groove  I  laid  a  train  of  gunpowder,  of  such  a  length  that  it 
would  take  more  than  an  hour  to  reach  the  mortar  when  lighted 
at  the  end  by  a  match.  I  filled  the  mortar  with  powder,  again 
fastened  the  plank  upon  it,  caulked  every  crevice  with  tar,  and 
bound  the  whole  together  with  chains. 

[198] 


ROBINSON 

I  found  myself  at  last  in  possession  of  a  kind  of  petard,  which  I 
considered  the  most  likely  means  of  producing  the  effect  I  wished. 
This  terrible  instrument  I  suspended  in  the  enclosure  occupied  by 
the  pinnace,  on  the  side  from  which  I  calculated  as  carefully  as 
possible  that  the  recoil  of  the  explosion  would  not  injure  our  little 
craft.  Giving  the  boys  the  order  to  go  on  board  our  litde  tub-boat 
quickly,  I  returned,  lighted  the  fusee,  and  then,  hastily  embarking 
myself,  steered  away  speedily  from  the  wreck. 

As  soon  as  we  were  at  a  safe  distance,  I  drew  the  ropes  which 
bound  the  raft  to  the  boat  more  tightly,  that  the  sudden  concussion 
might  not  capsize  it,  if  the  explosion  took  place  before  we  reached 
the  shore.  Fortunately,  however,  we  had  arrived  at  Zeltheim,  and 
were  unloading  the  raft,  when  a  sudden  and  frightful  noise  on  the 
sea,  like  the  roar  of  cannon,  so  alarmed  my  wife  and  the  boys  that 
they  screamed  in  terror  and  turned  to  run  away.  My  voice  re- 
called them,  but  they  still  kept  at  a  distance,  until  my  wife  came 
toward  me  and  said: 

"The  sound  came  from  the  sea!  and  look  at  the  smoke!  Oh, 
dear  husband,  I  hope  you  have  been  careful  not  to  leave  fire  near 
the  powder!" 

"There  is  nothing  of  that  sort  to  fear,"  I  said,  with  a  smile  that 
surprised  her  while  it  gave  her  confidence;  "but  I  think  the  ex- 
plosion has  something  to  do  with  the  pinnace.  Boys,  I  must  go 
back  and  see  what  has  happened.     Who  will  go  with  me  ?" 

Without  a  word  the  boys  sprang  into  the  boat,  while  I  remained 
for  a  few  moments  on  the  beach,  to  explain  to  my  wife  and  calm 
her  fears. 

We  arrived  at  the  wreck  in  a  very  short  time,  for  curiosity  made 
the  boys  row  quickly,  and  at  the  first  glance  I  saw  with  satisfaction 
that  the  form  and  position  of  the  vessel  remained  unchanged,  and 
that  no  suspicious-looking  smoke  indicated  fire.  With  a  light 
heart  I  steered  round  the  wreck  to  the  other  side,  and  there  dis- 
covered the  destruction  caused  by  my  petard.  A  large  portion  of 
the  ship's  side  had  been  shattered,  and  the  fragments  floated  on 

[  199] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

the  water;  while  through  the  welcome  opening  which  yawned  upon 
us  we  could  see  the  pinnace  standing  unhurt,  although  leaning  a 
little  on  one  side.  I  uttered  a  loud  hurrah,  which  astonished  the 
boys,  for  the  destruction  and  desolation  around  had  saddened 
them. 

"It  is  won!"  cried  I;  "the  beautiful  pinnace  is  ours  now!  It 
will  be  easy  to  launch  it  on  the  sea  if  it  is  uniniured.  Let  us  go 
and  examine  it." 

We  climbed  through  the  opening,  and  found  to  our  great  delight 
that  the  pinnace  was  unhurt,  and  not  a  trace  of  fire  or  flame  could 
be  discovered  upon  it. 

The  recoil  of  the  mortar  had,  however,  blown  a  piece  of  the 
chain  deep  into  the  opposite  partition  wall,  where  it  stuck  fast. 
After  this  inspection,  I  explained  to  my  boys  the  means  I  had  used, 
and  gave  them  a  hasty  description  of  the  wonderful  power  of  the 
petard. 

I  after  this  examined  the  position  of  the  boat  more  carefully, 
and  found  that  it  would  be  easy  with  the  aid  of  a  pulley  and  lever 
to  push  the  pinnace  on  the  water.  Fortunately,  while  reconstruct- 
ing the  little  ship,  I  had  taken  the  precaution  to  place  rollers  under 
the  keel,  which  would  render  our  task  easier.  I  did  not  forget, 
however,  to  attach  a  long  rope  to  the  inner  end,  to  prevent  it  from 
going  out  of  our  reach  when  once  in  the  water. 

When  all  was  ready,  we  threw  our  united  strength  into  the  per- 
formance, and  at  last,  though  not  without  some  difficulty,  we  saw 
her  glide  slowly  down  into  the  sea  and  ride  gracefully  on  the 
undulating  waters,  yet  held  in  check  by  the  rope  which  moored 
her  alongside  the  wreck. 

Leaving  her  safely  in  this  position,  we  returned  to  Zeltheim  to 
relate  our  conquest  to  the  mother;  but  the  warlike  spirit  of  the 
boys  was  awakened  by  the  prospect.  A  little  ship  completely 
rigged,  and  with  two  cannons  on  board,  seemed  unconquerable, 
and  fit  to  resist  a  whole  fleet  of  savages.  Indeed,  they  almost 
wished  that  an  attack  might  come,  that  they  might  exhibit  their 

[  200  ] 


ROBINSON 

prowess;  but  I  reminded  them  they  ought  to  thank  God  that  He 
had  not  obHged  them  to  prove  their  new-born  courage  and  valor 
by  bloodshed  and  fighting. 

Our  stately  barque,  however,  could  not  be  completely  rigged  and 
freighted  without  two  days  of  hard  work.  We  still  kept  it  on  the 
side  of  the  wreck  farthest  from  the  shore,  for  we  wished  to  surprise 
the  mother  and  little  Frank  with  its  wonderful  appearance,  and 
therefore  they  were  not  to  see  it  till  it  was  complete.  And  our 
movements  on  that  side  could  not  be  clearly  seen,  even  through  a 
telescope,  from  the  shore. 

When  at  last  all  was  in  readiness,  it  was  impossible  to  refuse  the 
request  of  my  boys,  and,  as  a  reward  for  their  efforts,  allow  them 
to  give  their  mother  a  majestic  salute  from  our  two  guns,  to  em- 
belhsh  the  surprise  which  awaited  her. 

At  once  and  speedily  the  guns  were  loaded,  Fritz  assuming  the 
position  of  captain  near  the  mainmast;  his  brothers  placed  them- 
selves by  the  guns,  each  holding  a  match,  which  they  were  eager 
to  light;  while  I  hastened  to  spread  the  sail  and  adjust  the  rigging 
in  readiness  for  our  voyage.  At  last  I  seated  myself  at  the  helm, 
and,  with  joyful  huzzas,  we  unmoored  the  little  vessel  and  turned 
toward  home. 

The  wind  was  favorable  and  blew  fresh  toward  the  shore. 
The  pinnace  skimmed  the  transparent  water  like  a  bird,  and  so 
swiftly  that  I  had  some  anxiety  respecting  the  fate  of  our  tub-boat, 
which  we  had  taken  in  tow. 

We  reached  Deliverance  Bay,  however,  without  accident;  and 
as  we  came  in  sight  of  Zeltheim  I  lowered  the  largest  sail  of  our 
new  vessel,  that  I  might  be  able  to  manage  her  with  less  difficulty, 
and  then  I  gave  permission  to  the  boys  to  carry  out  the  grand 
business  of  the  salute. 

Ernest  and  Jack  lighted  their  matches  and  stood  to  their  guns. 
"No.  I,  fire!  No.  2,  fire!"  cried  Fritz;  and  as  the  rocks  re- 
echoed the  sound,  he  added  to  it  by  firing  two  pistol-shots  in  the 
air  and  leading  his  brothers  in  a  succession  of  joyful  hurrahs. 

[201  ] 


Ta£  SWISS  FAMILY 

As  the  boat  touched  the  shore,  mv  wife,  amid  all  her  wondering 
astonishment,  was  able  to  nod  to  me  a  triendly  welcome,  but  she 
held  little  Frank  close  to  her  as  he  stood,  with  wide-open  eyes  and 
quivering  lip,  not  knowing  whether  to  laugh  for  jo^  or  cr\  in  tear. 

As  soon  as  we  could  find  a  convenient  spot  on  which  to  land,  I 
sprang  on  shore;  and  mv  wite,  advancing  to  meet  me,  exclaimed, 
breathlesslv: 

''Oh,  vou  dear  dreadful  people!  what  a  mixture  of  jov  and 
fright  vou  have  made  for  us!  When  I  saw^  the  beautiful  little 
ship  advancing,  I  could  not  imagine  where  it  came  from;  and  the 
sound  of  the  cannons  so  alarmed  me  that,  had  I  not  recognized 
your  voice,  we  should  have  fled  Heaven  knows  how^  far.  But  it  is 
all  over  now,  and  I  must  forgive  the  fright  while  I  admire  the 
beautiful  boat  vou  have  brought.  It  is  most  elegant,  and  I  shall 
not  be  afraid  myself  to  accompany  ^•ou  on  the  sea  sometimes  in 
such  a  perfect  vessel  as  that." 

"Come  on  board  now^,  mamma!"  exclaimed  Fritz,  "and  we 
can  show  ^•ou  how  comfortable  and  complete  the  vessel  is." 

i\Tv  wife  and  Frank  stepped  on  the  litde  deck  of  the  vessel. 
The  boy  was  as  much  delighted  as  his  mother,  who,  after  examin- 
ing it  and  listening  to  the  description  of  our  exenions  in  fitting 
the  pans  together  and  launching  it,  could  not  sufficiently  praise 
our  industn'  and  perseverance. 

"But  do  not  suppose  Frank  and  I  have  been  idle  during  vour 
absence,"  she  continued.  "No,  indeed;  we  have  been  ven'  busy 
the  whole  time;  and  although  we  cannot  receive  you  with  a  salute  of 
cannon,  we  have  found  the  means  of  providing  dishes  for  the  table. 
Come  with  me  now,  and  I  will  show  vou  the  result  of  our  work." 

We  all  landed  quicklv,  after  mooring  the  boat  in  safety,  and 
followed  the  mother  curiouslv  to  a  place  near  which  the  Jackal 
stream  falls  in  a  tiny  cascade  over  the  rocks;  and  beneath  their 
shelter,  in  an  open  space  of  ground,  we  saw,  with  astonishment, 
a  complete  kitchen  garden,  considerablv  advanced  in  growth,  and 
divided  into  compartments  by  paths  in  all  directions. 

[202  ] 


ROBINSON 


"NO.  2,  FIRE!"  CRIED  FRITZ 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O  N 

"This  is  my  work  and  Frank's!"  exclaimed  my  wife.  "We 
found  the  earth  soft  enough  for  us  to  dig  and  prepare." 

"Here,"  she  continued,  pointing  to  the  nearest  bed,  "I  have 
planted  potatoes;  yonder  are  fresh  cassava-roots;  on  the  other 
side  I  have  sown  lettuce  and  salad-seeds,  and  near  them  I  have 
left  a  space  for  you  to  plant  reeds  and  bamboo  canes." 

Leading  us  farther  on,  she  continued,  pointing  to  another  divi- 
sion: "This  will  be  our  fruit  garden.  The  earth  is  ready  to  re- 
ceive cuttings  from  the  young  trees  at  Falcon's  Nest;  and  farther 
on  I  have  sown  a  quantity  of  each  sort  of  the  grain  you  brought 
from  the  vessel;  and  above,  in  a  shelf  of  the  rock,  I  have  planted 
roots  of  the  anana,  because  their  clinging  tendrils  will  form  a 
shade  for  the  young  shoots  from  the  heat  of  the  sun.  Water  for 
the  nourishment  of  my  garden,"  she  added,  "can  be  easily  brought 
from  the  neighboring  waterfall;  so  there  is  no  doubt  that  the 
plants  will  grow  and  thrive  wonderfully." 

"You  have  performed  wonders,  dear  wife!"  I  exclaimed,  after 
we  had  examined  the  fruitful  spot  carefully;  and  then,  as  the  sun- 
set was  approaching,  I  and  the  boys  returned  to  the  shore,  to  make 
the  pinnace  and  the  other  craft  safe  for  the  night,  while  the  mother 
prepared  dinner  for  us;  indeed,  we  were  all  very  tired  and  hungry. 

During  dinner  I  bade  the  boys  observe  the  wise  ordering  of 
nature — that  those  who  work  and  are  industrious,  are  sure  to 
obtain  a  recompense  in  the  benefits  she  confers;  and  also  how 
much  happier  those  are  who  make  efforts  to  help  others  instead  of 
selfishly  acting  only  for  their  own  advantage. 

During  the  week  of  our  daily  visit  to  the  ship  my  wife  had  more 
than  once  visited  Falcon's  Nest,  and  while  at  dinner  she  remarked: 

"You  have  been  so  occupied  with  the  wreck,  dear  husband,  that 
the  young  fruit-trees  at  Falconhurst  are,  I  fear,  quite  forgotten  by 
you.  The  air  appears  to  have  dried  them  very  much,  and  had  I 
not  sprinkled  them  now  and  then  with  water,  and  protected  them 
from  the  heat  by  branches  of  trees,  they  would  by  this  time  have 
been  perfectly  useless,     I  should  have  planted  them  in  the  cool 

[  205  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

earth  long  ago,  and  attended  to  them  more  carefully,  had  not  my 
time  been  so  taken  up  with  the  kitchen  garden." 

"You  have  done  all  you  could  under  the  circumstances,  dear 
wife,"  I  replied;  "  and  if  you  now  request  me  not  to  visit  the  wreck, 
I  shall  be  quite  willing  to  place  myself  under  your  orders  at  Falcon- 
hurst.  But  first  we  must  unload  our  vessels,  and  place  everything, 
as  usual,  in  safety." 

My  wishes  were  soon  accomplished,  and  the  articles  which  re- 
mained, after  adding  to  our  store,  were  carefully  arranged,  and 
covered  with  a  piece  of  sail-cloth  fastened  to  the  ground  with  pegs 
as  firmly  as  possible. 

The  pinnace  was  also  moored  by  a  rope  from  the  bow  to  a 
strong  post  on  shore. 

We  then  loaded  ourselves,  as  well  as  the  animals,  with  as  much 
as  we  each  could  carry  of  the  articles  we  considered  the  most 
useful,  and  took  the  road  to  Falcon's  Nest. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XVII 


THE    WALK   TO   THE    CALABASH   WOOD 

URING  our  residence  at  Zeltheim,  while  daily  visit- 
ing the  wreck,  the  second  Sunday  of  our  stay  in  the 
island  had  occurred,  and  had  been  celebrated  and 
honored  with  as  much  earnest  devotion. 

The  day  after  our  return  to  Falcon's  Nest,  as  de- 
scribed in  our  last  chapter,  was  again  the  day  of  rest,  and  was 
religiously  observed  by  us  with  prayer  and  praise.  My  wife 
had  found,  to  my  great  joy,  a  Bible  in  one  of  the  seamen's 
chests.  After,  therefore,  singing  a  hymn,  I  read  a  chapter  from 
the  Gospels  which  I  knew  my  children  would  be  able  to 
understand,  and  then  related  to  them  another  but  more  simple 
allegory,  entitled: 


THE    TRAVELLER  S   TALISMAN 

A  man  and  his  wife  were  once  travelling  through  the  Arabian 
Desert  with  a  caravan,  when  by  some  accident  they  were  separated 
from  the  rest  of  the  company  and  left  alone,  with  but  very  little 
food  or  water.  They  knew  that  although  not  far  from  the  city  to 
which  they  were  travelling,  they  were  constantly  in  fear  of  their 
strength  failing  before  they  could  reach  it.  During  the  day  the 
position  of  the  sun  showed  them  what  direction  to  take,  either  east 
or  west;  and  the  stars  by  night,  when  his  rays,  which  beat  down 
upon  them  with  great  fierceness,  were  removed. 

It  was  useless,  and  would  have  been  dangerous,  to  hasten 
their  steps  in  the  hope  of  overtaking  the  caravan,  and  yet  they 

[207_] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

were  in  terror  by  night  of  being  attacked  by  wild  beasts,  or  of 
fainting  by  day  and  becoming  the  prey  of  vultures.  For  two 
days  and  nights  they  walked  without  meeting  with  a  drop  of 
water  or  a  single  green  spot  on  which  trees  grew  to  offer  them 
a  shade  by  the  way. 

On  the  third  morning  their  supply  of  provisions  and  water  was 
quite  exhausted,  and  the  worn-out  travellers  sank  down  on  the 
burning  sand  and  gave  themselves  up  for  lost. 

The  wife,  who  seemed  more  hopeful  than  her  husband,  tried  to 
cheer  him  with  the  possibility  that  another  company  of  travellers 
might  be  on  their  way,  and  arrive  in  time  to  save  them  from  death. 
She  proposed  also  to  go  in  search  of  water;  but  he  would  not  allow 
her  to  leave  him,  and  at  length  from  fatigue  and  exhaustion  he 
sank  into  a  deep  sleep. 

The  woman  sat  near  him  on  the  ground,  longing  to  go  in 
search  of  water,  yet  fearing  to  leave  her  husband  alone.  She 
was  not  so  easily  daunted  by  difficulties  as  he,  and,  in  spite  of 
her  fatigue,  would  have  gladly  exerted  her  last  strength  in  an 
effort  to  reach  some  rocks  which  she  fancied  were  visible  in  the 
distance,  in  the  hope  that  among  them  might  be  found  a  spring 
of  water. 

"I  must  try  at  all  risks,"  she  said  to  herself,  as  she  rose  feebly 
from  the  ground;  but  at  the  same  moment  a  gentle  touch  on  the 
shoulder  made  her  start  and  turn  quickly.  An  ethereal  being 
stood  by  her  side,  and  exclaimed: 

"  Woman,  fear  not;  I  am  a  good  fairy.  Here  is  the  talisman  that 
will  help  you  through  all  your  difficulties  and  dangers.  Consult  it 
now  and  on  every  occasion;  it  will  never  fail  to  direct  your  course 
through  the  desert,  and  lead  you  to  some  refreshing  oasis,  where 
food  and  water  can  be  found  in  abundance." 

So  saying,  the  fairy  placed  a  small  magic  glass  in  her  hand  and 
vanished. 

For  a  few  minutes  the  wife  stood  bewildered  and  alarmed, 
then  she  raised  her  magic  glass  to  her  eyes,  and  looked  through 

[  208  ] 


ROBINSON 

it  at  the  rocks.  They  were  distant  no  longer,  and  at  their 
feet  lay  soft  green  turf,  through  which  ran  streams  of  rippling 
water. 

With  renewed  vigor  at  the  sight,  she  awoke  her  hushand,  and, 
assisting  him  to  rise,  held  before  him  the  magic  glass.  He  was 
not  sufficiently  roused  from  sleep  to  realize  what  he  saw;  but  he 
allowed  her  to  lead  him  forw  ard,  while  she  described  what  her  own 
eyes  so  clearly  beheld. 

In  a  few  moments  from  behind  the  rocks  came  one  of  the 
caravan.  On  seeing  them  approaching  feebly,  he  called  others, 
and  before  long  the  fainting  husband  and  his  brave  wife  were  lying 
on  the  soft  green  turf,  enjoying  the  sweet  fresh  water  and  the 
pleasant  shade,  with  the  prospect  of  being  borne  by  camels,  in  a 
very  short  time,  to  the  end  of  their  journey. 

*'  I  think  that  woman  must  always  have  taken  care  of  the  magic 
glass  after  this,"  said  Frank. 

"And  I  should  love  the  good  fairy  always,"  remarked  Jack, 
"for  giving  it  me." 

"Well,  boys,"  I  said,  "do  you  know  any  good  fairy  who  has 
given  us  a  talisman  .?" 

"Ah,  papa,"  said  Ernest,  "I  know  who  you  mean.  Mamma  is 
our  good  fairy,  and — " 

"Let  me  finish  it,  Ernest!"  exclaimed  Fritz.  "The  talisman 
mamma  has  found  for  us  is  the  Bible." 

"Quite  right,  my  boys,"  I  replied;  "and  I  hope  you  will  read 
and  value  this  magic  glass,  which  not  only  guides  us  on  our  path 
through  life,  but  when  we  look  through  at  ourselves,  it  shows  us 
our  faults  and  teaches  us  how  to  correct  them." 

After  our  midday  meal,  I  felt  the  necessity  for  giving  the  boys 
some  employment,  similar  to  that  which  they  enjoyed  so  much  on 
a  former  occasion.  I  had  no  wish  to  make  my  hours  of  instruc- 
tion too  long  and  tedious,  or  to  give  them  a  distaste  for  religious 
teaching,  and  make  them  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  all  I  said;  on  the 

[209] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

contrary,  I  had  supplied  them  with  enough  to  think  over  now,  and 
to  make  them  anxious  on  another  Sunday  to  hear  more.' 

They  were  at  once  ready  to  commence  practising  with  their 
bows  and  arrows,  and  in  leaping,  running,  and  climbing,  which 
I  considered  of  great  importance  for  their  bodily  strength, 
and  also  to  give  them  confidence  in  a  moment  of  threatened 
danger. 

Nothing  makes  a  man  so  timid  and  fearful  as  a  want  of  physical 
strength  and  confidence  in  himself. 

In  addition  to  these  exercises,  I  advised  my  boys  to  practise 
running  up  and  down  the  rope  ladder  which  led  to  our  sleeping- 
room  in  the  tree,  and  also  to  learn  to  raise  themselves  by  a  loose 
rope,  which  I  suspended  from  the  balcony,  as  the  sailors  do  on 
board  ship. 

At  first  I  made  knots  here  and  there  in  the  rope,  as  supports 
for  their  hands  and  feet,  to  assist  them  in  the  attempt;  but  after  a 
little  practice  they  managed  to  climb  and  descend  with  very  few 
knots,  and  at  last  hand  over  hand  and  with  legs  crossed,  as  sailors 
do,  on  a  smooth  rope  and  without  any  assistance. 

While  this  was  going  on  I  was  able  to  leave  them  to  their  own 
resources  while  I  prepared  another  well-known  weapon  for  their 
use. 

I  commenced  by  tying  a  bullet  to  each  end  of  a  piece  of  rope 
about  six  feet  long,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  boys  were  all  round 
me,  eagerly  inquiring  what  I  was  doing,  and  whether  it  would  be 
something  useful  or  only  a  toy. 

"You  shall  see  me  use  it,  presently,"  I  replied;  "but  I  will 
explain  to  you  at  once  that  lam  trying  to  make  a  weapon  which 
is  much  used  by  hunters  in  many  lands,  chiefly,  however,  by  the 
Patagonians,  who  inhabit  the  southern  extremity  of  South  America. 

'  Young  readers  must  remember  that  when  the  German  story,  of  which  this 
is  a  translation,  was  written,  very  few  pleasant  Sunday  stories  for  children, 
such  as  now  exist,  had  been  written.  These  boys  also  were  on  an  uninhabited 
island,  without  churches,  chapels,  Sunday-schools,  or  other  pleasant  religious 
services,  all  of  which  ought  to  make  Sunday  a  happ}'  day  for  children. 

[210] 


ROBINSON 

It  is  named  the  lasso,  and  was  invented  by  these  people,  but  is 
now  in  use  among  the  Mexicans  and  other  settlers  in  South 
America.  Not  having  bullets,  however,  the  Patagonians  use 
stones,  which  they  fasten  firmly  to  a  rope  much  longer  than  this; 
and  yet  they  can  swing  the  end  of  the  lasso  in  which  a  stone  is 
tied  round  or  over  their  heads,  while  they  hold  the  other  end  in 
one  hand,  with  such  power  and  swiftness,  that  the  animal  they  wish 
to  capture  is  caught  by  the  flying  rope,  which  twists  round  its  body 
and  limbs  and  renders  it  unable  to  move.  The  Mexicans  are  so 
skilful  with  the  lasso,  that  they  will  throw  it  while  on  horseback 
at  full  gallop  after  their  prey,  and  seldom  fail  to  succeed  in  securing 
the  animal  alive,  or  killing  it." 

This  description  of  Patagonian  hunting  was   delightful  to  the 
boys,  and  nothing  would  do  but  that  I  must  immediately  make 
trial  of  the  new  weapon  I  had  made,  and  prove  it  on  the  stump  of 
of  a  not  far  distant 
tree. 

It  happened,  fortu- 
nately, in  spite  of  my 
unpractised  hand, 
that  my  first  throw 
was  successful,  and 
the  rope  wrapped  it- 
self round  the  tree  so 
securely,  that  the 
boys  were  more  eager 
than  ever  to  try  the 
new  weapon. 

I  immediately  pre- 
pared a  lasso  for  each 
of  the  boys  and  set 
them  to  work.  Fritz,  however,  entered  upon  the  matter  with 
great  spirit,  and,  after  a  litde  practice,  became  entirely  master 
of  the    art.     I  was    not   surprised    at  his   dexterity,  for  he  was 

[211] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

the  most  active  of  the  four  boys,  and  possessed  a  fearless 
spirit. 

Added  to  this,  being  the  eldest  and  tallest,  he  possessed  not 
only  more  physical  strength,  but  the  knowledge  without  which 
great  strength  is  often  useless. 

The  following  morning,  on  rising  early,  I  noticed  from  our  tree 
casde  that  the  sea  was  much  agitated,  the  wind  unusually  strong, 
and  the  waves  dashing  against  the  shore. 

I  congratulated  myself,  therefore,  on  finding  myself  at  Falcon's 
Nest,  and  on  having  decided  to  remain  here  and  find  employment 
in  peaceful  agriculture.  To  mariners  and  those  accustomed  to  the 
sea,  the  wind  would  have  appeared  merely  a  fresh  breeze,  but  to 
us,  such  inexperienced  sailors,  it  would  have  been  an  act  of  folly 
to  venture  on  the  ruflRed  waves  in  what,  to  our  ignorance,  was  a 
veritable  storm, 

I  at  once,  therefore,  readily  placed  myself  under  my  wife's 
orders.  And  first  she  showed  me  how  she  had  occupied  her- 
self in  her  visits  to  Falcon's  Nest  during  our  daily  absence  on 
the  wreck.  There  were  large  casks  of  half- roasted  birds  pre- 
served in  butter,  the  poultry  were  in  excellent  condition,  the 
cow  looked  well  and  happy,  and^  the  tame  pigeons,  which  had 
built  their  nests  among  the  branches  of  the  fig-trees,  were  now 
sitting  on  their  eggs  in  peaceful  happiness.  But  when  we  reached 
the  young  fruit-trees,  which  I  had  brought  from  the  wreck,  I 
saw  plenty  of  work  before  me,  for  they  were  parched  and  dry 
with  the  heat,  and,  indeed,  almost  withered.  I  felt  it,  there- 
fore, necessary  at  once  to  plant  these  trees,  and  as  we  were  very 
anxious  to  continue  our  wanderings,  we  set  to  work  with  so 
much  activity,  that  we  had  finished  our  task  even  earlier  than  I 
had  expected. 

The  day,  however,  was  too  far  advanced  for  us  to  commence 
any  travels,  for  the  mother  and  Frank  were  to  accompany  us  this 
time,  and  we  had  so  many  preparations  to  make,  that  evening 
arrived  before  we  were  ready;  indeed,  it  was  necessary  to  be  very 

[212] 


ROBINSON 

diligent  after  sunset,  to  be  in  readiness  to  start  early  on  the  follow- 
ing day. 

At  daybreak  next  morning,  however,  we  were  all  on  foot,  and 
the  final  preparations  before  our  departure  were  dispatched  with 
haste.  The  ass  and  the  sledge  were  to  accompany  us,  not  only 
to  carry  our  stock  of  provisions  and  a  flask  of  Canary  wine,  as  well 
as  powder  and  shot,  but  also  that  the  younger  and  weaker  of  our 
party  might  ride  sometimes,  if  they  were  tired.  We  wished,  be- 
sides, to  bring  back  to  Falcon's  Nest  on  our  return  a  store  of  gourds 
from  which  to  make  various  articles  for  our  use. 

At  last  we  started  in  joyful  spirits:  Turk  in  his  coat  of  mail,  as 
usual,  took  the  lead.  Behind  him  followed  the  boys,  all  but  little 
Frank,  carrying  arms.  The  mother  and  I  came  next  with  the 
sledge;  and  lingering  hindmost,  and  not  at  all  pleased,  crept  Floss 
with  Master  Nip  on  her  back.  As  a  double  means  of  defence  I 
carried  two  rifles,  one  loaded  with  grape-shot,  for  our  hunting  per- 
formances, the  other  with  bullets. 

Our  road  lay  through  the  Flamingo  Marsh,  which  we  soon  left 
behind  for  the  lovely  region  beyond  it.  My  wife  and  the  younger 
boys,  who  had  not  seen  the  place  before,  could  do  nothing  but 
exclaim  in  admiration  at  every  turn. 

Fritz,  however,  eager  for  a  hunting  adventure,  left  the  strand, 
and,  enticing  Turk  to  join  him,  very  soon  disappeared  from  our 
eyes  in  the  tall  grass.  Presently  we  were  startled  by  the  dog's 
noisy  bark,  and  at  the  same  moment  an  enormous  bird  rose  in  the 
air,  followed  by  a  shot  from  Fritz,  which  brought  it  to  the  ground 
instantly.  The  creature  was  not  dead,  however,  for  with  in- 
credible strength  it  beat  its  wings  in  its  rage,  scattering  the  dust 
as  it  ran,  with  Turk  after  it. 

Fritz  followed,  panting,  and  Floss,  who  could  not  look  on  with- 
out wishing  to  take  part  in  the  fray,  with  a  sudden  spring  threw 
her  little  monkey  rider  from  her  back  to  join  in  the  chase,  and  by 
a  shorter  way  take  the  fugitive  in  the  flank.  Quick  as  lightning, 
she  caught  the  bird,  and  held  it  fast  till  Fritz  came  up  to  her;  but 

[213  ] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

the  wonderful  strength  of  the  bird,  and  the  vigorous  kicks  he  gave 
right  and  left  to  the  dogs  with  his  powerful  feet,  were  so  violent 
that  Fritz  did  not  dare  to  approach  nearer.  Even  Turk,  generally 
so  courageous,  after  receiving  two  blows  on  his  head,  slunk  away, 
and  would  not  again  return  to  the  charge. 

Fritz  was,  therefore,  obliged  to  wait  till  I  could  reach  them;  and 
being  so  heavily  armed,  I  was  unable  to  make  my  way  quickly, 
especially  through  the  tall  grass  in  which  they  were  hidden. 

I  was,  however,  greatly  pleased,  on  reaching  the  spot,  to  perceive 
that  the  captive  was  a  magnificent  bustard.  Being  anxious  to 
secure  the  bird  without  killing  it,  I  took  out  my  pocket-handker- 
chief, and,  watching  my  opportunity,  threw  it  suddenly  over  the 
creature's  head,  so  that  it  could  neither  see  nor  escape. 

I  then  hastened  to  tie  those  vigorous  legs  together,  and  after  re- 
leasing the  wounded  wing  from  the  jaws  of  Floss,  I  tied  another 
handkerchief  over  both  wings  round  the  body;  and  at  last  the 
refractory  animal  was  conquered.  I  considered  this  prey  an  ex- 
cellent addition  to  our  farmyard,  and  wished,  therefore,  to  preserve 
it  alive,  in  the  hope  of  taming  it. 

Without  delay,  we  carried  it  to  our  impatient  and  curious 
travelling  companions  who  were  lying  on  the  strand,  and  waiting 
for  us.  Ernest  and  Jack  rose  as  we  approached,  and  running  to 
meet  us,  exclaimed : 

"Oh,  what  a  beautiful  bird!     What  a   magnificent  creature!" 

"Oh!"  cried  Jack,  "I  know,  it  is  a  bustard;  we  saw  one  rise 
once,  but  neither  of  us  could  shoot  it.  Don't  you  remember, 
mamma  ?" 

"I  am  not  sorry  you  failed  then,"  she  replied;  "for  had  you 
killed  it,  a  brood  of  little  birds  would  have  lost  their  mother; 
and  perhaps  this  bird  has  a  nest  of  young  ones  somewhere;  it 
might  be  as  well  to  let  her  escape." 

"Oh,  no,  dear  wife!"  I  said;  "if  the  wound  in  the  wing  is 
dangerous,  and  we  set  the  bird  free,  she  will  die,  and  we  shall  lose 
an  excellent  and  rich  supply  of  food.     If  the  wound  is  curable,  we 

l2H] 


ROBINSON 

shall  be  able  to  tame  the  bird,  and  perhaps  she  may  attract  her 
mate  to  join  her  in  our  farmyard.  As  to  the  young  ones,  they  are 
able  to  take  care  of  themselves  three  weeks  after  they  are  hatched, 
and  do  not  need  a  mother's  care;  besides,  the  father  bird  is  no 
doubt  still  with  them,  so  do  not  be  unhappy  on  that  account." 

During  this  discussion,  I  placed  the  wounded  bird  carefully  on 
the  sledge,  and  we  resumed  our  journey  to  the  cocoanut  wood  in 
which  Fritz  had  met  such  a  tragi-comic  adventure  with  the  mon- 
keys,  and  little  Nip's  mother  had  been  killed  by  the  dogs.  His 
mother  and  the  boys  were,  therefore,  eagerly  anxious  to  see  this 
wood,  and  full  of  spirits  they  marched  on  before  us. 

Ernest,  a  little  in  advance  of  the  rest,  quickly  reached  the 
entrance  to  the  wood,  and  then,  stopping  suddenly,  as  if  seized 
with  astonishment  at  the  magnificent  trees,  planted  himself  at  the 
foot  of  a  cocoanut-palm,  which  stood  a  little  apart  from  the  rest, 
and  regarded  it  with  a  meditative  air,  till  he  espied  the  beautiful 
clusters  of  nuts  which  hung  from  the  higher  branches.  He  ap- 
peared quite  overwhelmed  with  wonder  and  admiration. 

I  placed  myself  where  I  could  observe  him  unnoticed,  and 
watched  with  interest  the  varied  feelings  displayed  on  his  expres- 
sive face.     At  last  he  uttered  a  deep  sigh,  and  exclaimed: 

"Oh,  how  terribly  high  the  nuts  are!     I  wish  I  had  one." 

Hardly  had  he  uttered  these  words,  when  suddenly  a  magnificent 
nut  fell  heavily  to  the  ground  at  his  feet  from  the  wonderful  tree; 
and  while  Ernest,  rather  startled,  jumped  aside  and  looked  up- 
ward, a  second  nut  followed  the  first,  as  much  to  my  astonishment 
as  his. 

"Why,  papa!"  cried  the  boy,  "this  is  just  like  a  fairy  tale.  No 
sooner  is  a  wish  formed  in  the  mind  than  it  is  granted." 

"  I  expect  your  good  fairy,  or  the  magician  who  performs  your 
wishes,  Ernest,"  I  replied,  "is  seated  on  the  tree  in  the  form  of 
an  ape,  who  is  more  anxious  to  pelt  us  with  the  nuts  than  to 
supply  us  with  dainty  dishes  for  our  table." 

Cautiously  the  boy  picked  up  the  nuts  and  brought  them  to 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

me.  They  were  scarcely  ripe,  and  certainly  not  at  all  withered, 
so  that  it  was  impossible  to  suppose  they  had  fallen  from  the 
tree  on  account  of  decay.  I  therefore  moved  nearer  to  Ernest, 
and  stood  with  him,  looking  earnestly  up  at  the  tree,  to  discover 
if  possible  the  being  who  had  sent  down  the  fruit  so  mysteri- 
ously. We  changed  our  positions,  standing  each  alone,  and  still 
staring  up,  and  presently,  to  our  surprise,  two  more  nuts  fell  at 
our  feet. 

At  this  moment  Fritz  joined  us  with  his  mother  and  the  rest; 
and,  on  hearing  of  the  fallen  nuts,  he  also  directed  his  keen  gaze 
to  the  tree.     Suddenly  he  cried : 

"Ah,  ah!  I  have  discovered  him,  papa!  Such  a  horribly 
hideous  animal,  as  large  as  my  hat,  and  with  two  enormous  claws 
like  a  crab.     Ah!  he  is  coming  down  the  tree." 

At  this  information,  little  Frank  ran  behind  his  mother  for  pro- 
tection, and  Ernest  looked  about  for  a  place  of  safety,  while  Jack 
stood  in  a  threatening  aspect,  with  the  butt-end  of  his  gun  raised 
to  strike.  We  all  remained,  however,  with  our  eyes  fixed  on  the 
tree  which  could  harbor  such  a  hideous  guest,  and  who  was 
about  to  show  himself. 

Slowly  and  steadily  the  creature  glided  down  the  tree  on  the 
trunk;  but  before  it  could  reach  the  ground  Jack  struck  at  it  with 
the  butt-end  of  his  gun,  but  failing  to  injure  it,  the  animal  sprang 
to  the  ground,  and,  with  gaping  claws,  marched  toward  his 
assailant. 

The  little  fellow  defended  himself  bravely,  but  with  such  eager- 
ness, that  all  his  strokes  failed  to  reach  the  animal,  who  jumped 
aside  and  avoided  them  with  wonderful  dexterity.  At  last  the  boy 
stood  still,  removed  his  knapsack  and  arms,  and  laid  them  on  the 
ground,  took  off  his  jacket,  held  it  extended  in  both  hands,  ad- 
vanced cautiously  toward  his  adversary,  and  suddenly  threw  it 
over  the  animal;  then,  kneeling  on  the  ground,  he  rested  his 
whole  weight  upon  it,  and,  wrapping  the  jacket  completely  round 
the  creature's  body,  immediately  commenced  thumping  violently 

[216] 


ROBINSON 


JACK  ADVANCED  CAUTIOUSLY 
TOWARD         HIS       ADVERSARY 


ROBINSON 

with  his  fists  the  strange  bundle,  in  which  performance  he  exerted 
his  whole  strength. 

For  some  moments  I  could  not,  for  laughing,  help  the  boy;  but, 
recovering  myself,  I  seized  the  hatchet,  and,  with  a  few  strokes, 
put  an  end  to  the  monster. 

"Well,  that  is  a  disgusting,  ugly  animal,"  cried  Jack,  as  I  re- 
moved the  jacket  to  make  sure  the  creature  was  dead.  "If  it  had 
not  been  so  hideous,  I  should  not  have  been  in  such  a  passion; 
but  I  had  no  fear.     What  creature  is  it,  papa  ?" 

"A  species  of  crab,"  I  replied;  "or,  perhaps  I  ought  to  say,  a 
land-crab.  At  all  events,  it  is  not  of  the  same  species  as  the  one 
on  the  sea-shore  which  seized  you  by  the  leg.  And  this  time  you 
have  not  only  shown  courage,  but  also,  what  is  of  greater  impor- 
tance, presence  of  mind,  in  thinking  of  your  jacket,  for  you  had  a 
vigorous  adversary  to  overcome.  This  bold  gentleman  is,  I 
believe,  named  the  cocoanut  crab,  and  lives  upon  the  nuts,  the- 
shells  of  which  he  opens  as  much  by  skill  as  strength;  with  its 
strong  claws  it  could  inflict  serious  injury,  and  is  no  mean  adver- 
sary for  a  boy  to  meet  with  and  conquer.  This  little  combat  will 
show  you  how  reason  and  good  sense  give  man  the  superiority 
and  power  over  the  most  dangerous  animals." 

I  now  placed  the  dead  crab  and  two  of  the  nuts  on  the  sledge; 
the  shells  of  the  other  two  I  broke,  that  we  might  obtain  the  milk, 
which  was  very  refreshing.  For  some  time  we  proceeded  on  our 
journey  very  slowly,  on  account  of  a  thick  growth  of  underwood, 
and  the  tendrils  of  creeping  plants.  Several  times  we  had  to  stop 
and  cut  with  an  axe  a  way  for  the  ass  and  the  sledge  to  pass,  till 
at  length  Ernest  made  a  most  agreeable  discovery,  at  least  for  the 
remainder  of  our  journey;  and,  overpowered  as  we  were  by  great 
heat,  it  was  truly  acceptable  to  us. 

While  cutting  down  the  tendrils,  which  entwined  themselves 
across  our  path  from  tree  to  tree  and  intercepted  our  progress,  the 
boy,  with  his  usual  thoughtfulness,  had  noticed  a  kind  of  liquid 
sap  exuding  from  the  divided  ends  of  the  tendrils. 
15  [219] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

On  examining  this  sap  he  discovered  that  it  was  pure  and  drink- 
able vvat^r;  and,  bringing  it  to  his  mother  and  me,  asked  us  to 
taste  it. 

"See  here,  children!"  I  exclaimed,  as  I  complied  with  his  re- 
quest; "see  what  a  wonderful  gift  from  heaven  we  have  found! 
Men  travelling  in  hot  climates,  perhaps  for  days,  without  finding 
water,  and  half  fainting  from  thirst,  must  indeed  be  thankful  on 
reaching  a  large  forest  which  they  are  obliged  to  traverse,  to  find 
in  it  such  refreshing  plants  as  these!" 

The  boys,  after  this,  eagerly  gathered  a  large  quantity  of  these 
tendrils,  and  I  showed  them  how  to  obtain  the  water  more  plenti- 
fully by  making  an  incision  at  each  end,  as  we  had  done  with  the 
sugar-canes,  to  admit  the  air.  We  soon  had  enough  to  fill  over 
and  over  again  the  cocoanut-shells  for  ourselves,  and  also  to  supply 
the  animals. 

After  marching  on  for  some  distance  through  the  thicket,  we 
came  at  last  to  a  clearing,  and  saw  at  a  little  distance  before  us, 
near  the  sea-shore,  the  beautiful  calabash-trees,  forming  a  shelter- 
ing wood.  We  were  not  long  in  reaching  this  agreeable  spot, 
which  I  and  Fritz  had  already  visited. 

The  splendid  trees  and  their  singular  fruit,  which  grew  in  such 
an  unusual  manner,  excited  great  wonder  and  surprise,  and  I 
hastened  to  explain  to  my  wife  and  the  younger  boys  the  varied 
forms  and  sizes  of  the  gourds,  and  also  how  easily  we  could  make 
from  them  a  good  supply  of  the  vessels  and  different  articles  we 
needed. 

In  a  short  time  a  large  number  were  collected,  and  I  and  the 
boys  at  once  commenced  cutting  and  forming  whatever  we  con- 
sidered most  necessary. 

Meanwhile  my  wife  attended  to  the  animals,  and  examined  the 
wound  in  the  bustard's  wing,  which  she  found  worse  than  she  ex- 
pected. She  came,  therefore,  to  me,  and  explained  that  it  was 
cruel  to  let  the  poor  creature  lie  on  the  sledge;  so  I  removed  the 
handkerchief  from  the  bird,  leaving  him  free,  excepting  that  he 

[  220  ] 


ROBINSON 

was  tied  to  a  tree  by  the  leg,  and  able  to  walk  about  as  far  as  the 
length  of  his  cord. 

After  working  for  some  time,  I  constructed  an  egg-basket,  then 
two  vases  for  milk  and  cream,  and  with  the  other  half  of  the  shells 
formed  covers  for  each;  water-bottles,  spoons,  and  nests  for  the 
pigeons  and  fowls;  and  from  one  of  the  largest  gourds  a  beehive, 
with  an  opening  for  the  bees  to  pass  in  and  out. 

Frank  admired  it  so  much  that  he  almost  wished  himself  small 
enough  to  have  a  house  made  for  him  to  live  in  out  of  one  of  the 
gourds. 

The  pigeons'  nests  I  determmed  to  nail  here  and  there  on  the 
boughs  of  the  tree  on  which  our  castle  was  placed;  and  some  of 
the  nests  for  the  ducks  and  geese  I  intended  to  take  to  the  pond, 
in  which  they  still  remained  at  Zeltheim,  and  to  place  the  rest 
under  the  stately  roots  at  Falcon's  Nest,  so  as  to  form,  of  the  houses 
for  the  poultry,  quite  a  little  village. 

Noon  came  upon  us  by  the  time  we  had  finished  all  these 
articles,  and  then  I  released  Fritz  and  Jack,  who  had  long  been 
wishing  to  escape,  that  they  might  light  a  fire  and  cook  the  crab. 
They  soon  came  to  a  standstill,  however,  for  after  having  made 
some  stones  red  hot  to  throw  into  a  calabash-shell,  they  had  no 
water  to  fill  it. 

Ernest  had  not  been  successful  in  cutting  out  the  gourds  for 
our  porcelain  manufacture;  he  broke  all  that  he  took  in  his  hand; 
he  therefore  asked  me  to  allow  him  to  go  and  seek  for  water.  I 
gladly  gave  him  the  opportunity  to  be  useful,  for  I  knew  that 
while  seeking  for  water,  he  might  make  some  other  important 
discovery. 

He  had  scarcely  been  absent  two  minutes,  when  he  returned 
hastily,  looking  pale  with  fright,  and  crying  out  with  panting 
breath: 

"Papa!  papa!  a  wild  boar!  a  wild  boar!  come  and  see!  He 
came  quite  close  to  me  in  the  thicket,  and  then  rushed  across  the 
wood," 

[221  ] 


T«£  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Boys!  boys!"  I  exclaimed,  as  I  followed  Ernest,  "on  the 
track!  on  the  track!     This  will  be  a  splendid  capture!" 

I  then  called  the  dogs,  who  followed  me  immediately  at  full 
gallop. 

Ernest  led  the  way  to  the  spot  where  the  animal  had  so  alarmed 
him,  but  no  wild  boar  appeared.  Nothing  could  be  seen  excepting 
the  turned-up  earth,  and  what  appeared  to  be  a  few  dried  potatoes, 
which  the  animal  had  very  likely  dug  up. 

Jack  and  Ernest  were  disconcerted  at  this  sudden  damper  to 
their  zeal  for  shooting,  and  so  employed  themselves  coolly  in  gather- 
ing up  the  roots  which  had  been  dug  up,  that  they  did  not  ob- 
serve the  dogs,  who  were  still  following  the  scent  of  some  animal. 
Fritz  and  I,  however,  stole  cautiously  after  them,  with  guns  in 
complete  readiness  to  fire,  and,  guided  by  their  eager  barking  and 
yelping,  we  in  a  short  time  reached  the  spot. 

As  we  approached,  we  heard  amid  the  barking  and  yelping  of 
our  dogs  such  a  terrible  grunting,  which  appeared  to  proceed  from 
the  same  place,  that  we  hastened  forward,  expecting  a  most  for- 
midable battle. 

Our  alarm  was  suddenly  checked.  There  before  us  stood  our 
own  respectable  sow,  her  ears  held  firmly  by  the  two  dogs.  On 
seeing  us,  she  seemed  much  more  inclined  to  ask  our  help  and  pity 
by  her  grunting,  than  our  courage  in  fighting.  Our  martial  ardor 
gave  way  to  vexation  as  we  recognized  the  poor  animal.  Yet,  after 
a  pause  of  surprise,  we  could  not  resist  a  burst  of  laughter,  even 
while  we  hastened  to  release  the  poor  ill-used  animal  from  the 
teeth  of  the  dogs. 

Meanwhile  our  brave  potato-gatherers,  finding  the  barking  of  the 
dogs  cease,  and  the  sound  of  laughter  instead  of  shots  proceeding 
from  the  wood,  came  running  toward  the  spot.  On  their  ap- 
pearance, Fritz  could  not  resist  joking  Ernest  on  his  wonderful 
discovery  of  a  wild  boar,  which  had  proved  to  be  only  our  own 
inoffensive  sow. 

This  joking,  however,  Ernest  received  with  a  laugh  and  a  shrug 

[  222  ] 


ROBINSON 

of  the  shoulders;  yet  the  jokes  might  have  continued  for  a  while 
longer,  had  not  our  two  vaHant  heroes  at  this  moment  discovered 
a  number  of  what  appeared  to  be  apples  lying  on  the  ground  near 
us.  On  looking  up  at  the  bushes  which  grew  on  the  spot,  we  saw 
a  large  number  also  hanging  from  the  branches.  Those  which  had 
fallen  on  the  grass  we  gave  to  our  sow,  as  some  compensation  for 
the  pain  and  fright  she  had  endured;  and  as  she  swallowed  them 
greedily,  I  concluded  that  she  was  not  much  hurt. 

The  boys  gathered  a  quantity  of  these  apples  to  carry  home,  yet 
Fritz  expressed  a  fear  that  they  might  belong  to  the  poisonous 
fruit  of  which  I  had  warned  them.  I  doubted  this,  on  observing 
hov/  much  the  apples  were  relished  by  the  sow;  especially  as  in 
examining  one  of  them,  I  found  that  it  did  not  contain  a  hard 
kernel,  but  a  number  of  small  pips. 

I  still  decided  not  to  allow  the  boys  to  eat  this  fruit  until  I  had 
given  one  to  Master  Nip,  and  if  the  ape  ate  it  and  incurred 
no  danger,  then  they  should  be  at  liberty  to  do  the  same  in 
moderation. 

But  all  this  made  us  forget  that  we  had  promised  to  find 
water  for  the  cooking  performances,  and  we  were  only  at  last 
reminded  of  this  promise  by  feeling  thirsty.  I  and  the  boys, 
therefore,  went  forward  hastily  to  search  for  water  with  greater 
diligence. 

Jack,  who  was  in  advance  of  us,  had  scrambled  up  a  rocky 
mound  at  a  little  distance;  but  no  sooner  had  he  reached  the 
summit  than  he  stood  still,  with  a  horror-stricken  face,  as  if  unable 
to  move,  and  exclaimed : 

"Papa,  papa,  a  crocodile!  a  crocodile!" 

"A  crocodile!"  I  replied;  "what,  so  far  from  the  water  as  this  .'' 
That  would  indeed  be  singular." 

As  I  spoke,  however,  we  all  with  eager  expectation  rushed  to 
the  spot;  and  I  immediately  recognized  in  Jack's  frightful  wild 
beast  a  kind  of  large  lizard,  named  the  iguana,  much  esteemed  as 
delicate  eating  in  the  West  Indies,  and  sleeping  quietly. 

[223  ] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

"This  will  be  a  prize,"  I  exclaimed  to  the  boys,  "if  we  can 
capture  this  creature,  as  a  present  for  your  mother." 

F'ritz,  with  his  usual  sportsman's  zeal,  raised  his  gun  to  fire,  but 
I  checked  him  hastily. 

"Steady,  my  boy,"  I  said.  "You  must  not  be  so  rash.  Your 
shot  would  most  likely  only  wound  the  animal  without  killing 
him,  for  these  creatures  have  a  wonderful  tenacity  of  life.  We 
must  use  other  means  to  capture  our  booty." 

I  immediately  cut  a  strong  switch,  and  fastened  to  the  end  of 
it  a  string  with  a  slip-knot.  In  my  left  hand  I  carried  a  large, 
dry  branch  of  a  tree,  and  slowly  approached  the  sleeping  animal. 
The  boys  in  silence  watched  me  curiously  without  moving.  As  I 
drew  nearer,  I  commenced  whistling  softly,  increasing  the  melody 
in  loudness  by  degrees. 

The  sleeper  presently  awoke,  and  appeared  so  enchanted,  that 
he  raised  his  head  to  listen,  and  perhaps  to  see  where  the  sound 
came  from.  I  approached,  with  caution,  to  avoid  alarming  the 
animal,  near  enough  for  me  to  pass  my  slip-knot  round  his  neck, 
still  continuing  to  whistle.  The  task  was  not  difficult,  for  the 
animal  appeared  so  infatuated  with  the  music,  that  I  succeeded 
in  throwing  the  cord  and  tightening  the  knot  round  his  neck,  and 
made  him  my  captive  with  ease.  I  then  dragged  him  to  the  foot 
of  the  rock,  and  turned  him  over  on  his  back  to  kill  him  more 
speedily. 

The  animal  resisted  me  furiously,  and  struck  right  and  left 
such  tremendous  blows  with  his  tail,  that  I  had  need  of  all  my 
self-possession  to  avoid  them.  The  boys  came  hastily  to  my 
assistance;  but.  Jack  standing  carelessly  too  near,  a  stroke  from 
the  tail  threw  him  on  the  ground  head  over  heels.  This  so  ir- 
ritated the  boys  that  they  rushed  forward  to  destroy  the  creature 
with  the  butt-end  of  their  guns. 

I  arrested  their  intentions,  however,  although  the  row  of  sharp- 
pointed  teeth  which  he  displayed  when  he  opened  his  immense  jaws 
was  quite  alarming  enough  as  they  approached  to  drive  them  back. 

[224] 


ROBINSON 

I  adopted  a  more  merciful  plan,  by  firmly  piercing  the  nostrils 
with  my  switch,  which  was  followed  immediately  by  instant  death 
and  a  very  few  drops  of  blood. 

As  usual,  after  conquering  our  prey,  this  result  was  attended 
with  a  triumphal  cry  of  joy  from  us  all,  and  the  boys  expressed 
their  wonder  at  the  clever  manner  in  which  I  had  captured  and 
killed  the  iguana.  We  could  not  think  of  leaving  such  a  valuable 
booty  behind  us,  and  as  our  sledge  was  a  long  way  off,  I  resolved 
to  carry  the  creature  on  my  back,  the  boys  following  to  support 
the  tail,  for  the  weight  was  enormous. 

However,  we  chose  the  shortest  way  to  the  mother  and  Frank, 
but  long  before  we  reached  them  we  heard  our  names  called  in 
tones  of  anxiety  and  alarm.  Our  long  absence  had  alarmed  them, 
because  there  had  been  no  usual  firing;  but  when  we  replied  to 
them  cheerfully,  the  tones  changed  to  cries  of  joy,  and  all  trouble 
was  forgotten.  Many  questions  were  asked,  and  so  much  had  to 
be  related,  that  we  began  to  feel  more  hungry  and  thirsty  than 
ever,  and  to  long  lor  dinner.  But  on  removing  the  strange  and 
precious  burden  from  my  shoulders,  it  was  a  pleasure  to  observe 
the  surprise  and  delight  depicted  on  their  faces;  and  they  soon 
acknowledged  that  we  could  not  be  blamed  for  omitting  to  bring 
water  under  the  circumstances. 

All  this  occupied  so  much  time  that  I  knew  it  would  be  im- 
possible to  prepare  a  portion  of  the  iguana  for  dinner,  so  we  were 
obliged  to  content  ourselves  with  the  cold  provisions  we  had 
brought  from  Falcon's  Nest,  Added  to  it,  however,  were  a  few 
potatoes,  which  had  been  hastily  placed  m  the  glowing  cinders 
while  the  mother  was  waiting  for  the  water-carriers,  who  never 
came. 

Master  Nip  had  seized  and  eaten  one  of  the  apples  which  I 
offered  him  so  eagerly,  that  I  readily  gave  the  boys  the  permission 
they  desired;  and  never,  I  believe,  was  fruit  so  thoroughly  en- 
joyed. The  ape,  not  being  satisfied  with  those  we  gave  him, 
found  out  our  store  and  stole  several.     Even  the  bustard,  which 

[225] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

we  had  tied  by  the  leg  to  a  tree,  cgme  the  length  of  his  string  to 
seize  an  apple  we  threw  to  him. 

I  came  to  the  conclusion,  at  last,  that  we  had  discovered  a  West 
Indian  fruit  named  guava,  for  it  was  so  full  of  juice,  that  it  sup- 
plied the  place  of  water,  and  our  thirst  was  greatly  relieved. 

Altogether,  the  frugal  meal  had  greatly  refreshed  and  strength- 
ened us,  and  as  the  day  was  very  far  advanced,  my  wife  proposed 
that  we  should  prepare  to  turn  our  steps  homeward. 

The  days  appeared  to  me  to  be  growing  shorter,  and  I  readily 
agreed  to  her  suggestion. 

During  our  absence  the  mother  and  little  Frank  had  loaded 
the  sledge  with  the  newly-constructed  calabash  vessels,  that  they 
might  be  ready  to  take  home  with  us.  These,  however,  not  being 
dry,  I  decided  to  leave  till  morning,  and  load  our  good  gray 
horse  Grizzle  with  his  usual  travelling-bags,  containing  the  dry 
calabash  utensils,  the  iguana,  and  on  his  back  our  youngest  boy 
as  a  rider.  A  cord  was  attached  to  the  bustard,  that  the  mother 
and  Frank  might  lead  him,  or  at  least  drive  him  before  us  without 
much  trouble. 

After  these  preparations  we  started  at  once  on  a  direct  road  to 
Falcon's  Nest,  and,  avoiding  the  guava-tree  grove,  presently  en- 
tered a  wood  of  majestic  oaks,  beneath  which  lay  a  quantity  of 
acorns.  On  these  the  bustard  fed  with  great  eagerness;  and  we 
arrived,  happily  without  accident,  at  Falcon's  Nest  before  sun- 
set. There  remained,  therefore,  time  enough  to  unpack  our 
booty,  feed  the  animals,  and  prepare  supper. 

A  piece  of  the  iguana's  flesh,  baked  with  potatoes  and  roasted 
acorns  which  the  boys  had  gathered  up,  formed  a  delicious  re- 
past, and  with  thankful  hearts  we  retired  to  rest  in  our  aerial 
chamber,  and  slept  soundly  till  morning. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER   XVIII 

THE   CANADIAN   FOWL  AND  THE    INDIA-RUBBER  TREE 

RITZ  and  I  started  next  morning  with  the  ass  to 
bring  home  the  sledge  and  the  remainder  of  the 
gourd  vessels.  I  advised  the  younger  boys  to  re- 
main with  their  mother,  for  I  had  planned  an  ex- 
cursion on  the  chain  of  rocks,  to  be  performed  by 
Fritz  and  myself,  and  was  unwilling  that  the  weakness  or  timidity 
of  the  younger  boys  should  interfere  with  the  success  of  my  under- 
taking, if  they  accompanied  me. 

On  arriving  at  the  green  wood  of  oaks,  we  found  the  sow  peace- 
fully feeding  on  the  acorns  with  a  good  appetite.  We  had  not 
attempted  to  take  her  with  us  on  the  previous  evening,  because 
she  appeared  more  than  ever  obstinate  and  unmanageable.  I 
was  glad,  however,  to  observe  that  she  was  not  the  worse  for  the 
attack  upon  her,  but  as  tame  as  ever,  and  not  in  the  least  shy 
or  wild. 

While  passing  through  the  wood,  we  gathered  up  a  large  store 
of  acorns,  and  as  we  walked  without  noise  on  the  green  turf,  we 
noticed  a  quantity  of  birds  among  the  branches  of  the  trees.  They 
allowed  us  to  approach  so  closely  that  Fritz  could  not  resist 
having  a  shot,  and  brought  down  a  jay  and  two  small  paroquets. 
The  color  of  the  jay  was  a  beautiful  blue,  and  he  had  a  kind  of 
crest  on  his  head.  One  of  the  paroquets  had  a  rich  red  plumage; 
the  feathers  of  the  other  were  green  and  gold. 

While  Fritz  recharged  his  gun,  we  heard  at  a  litde  distance  a 
most  singular  noise,  something  like  the  sound  of  a  muffled  drum. 
Fritz  was  instantly  on  the  alert,  for  he,  as  well  as  myself,  imag- 

[227] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

ined  it  might  be  the  battle  music  of  savages.  We  therefore  crept 
softly  through  the  bushes  which  concealed  the  spot  from  whence 
this  unusual  sound  came. 

Presently  we  came  upon  an  open  space  less  overgrown  with 
shrubs,  in  which  lay  a  fallen  and  partly  decayed  trunk  of  a  tree, 
and  upon  it  stood  a  beautiful  bird,  of  about  the  size  of  a  domestic 
cock,  having  round  his  neck  a  magnificent  collar  of  variegated 
feathers,  and  making  the  most  ridiculous  grimaces  and  antics. 

At  first  he  twisted  himself  round  and  round,  rolled  his  eyes  as 
if  he  were  possessed,  then  ruffled  the  feathers  of  his  collar,  pro- 
ducing by  the  movement  a  strange  noise;  then  he  spread  his  tail 
in  the  form  of  a  fan,  and  beat  his  wings  with  such  velocity  that  a 
mist  seemed  to  envelop,  like  a  cloud,  the  droll  little  performer. 
It  was  evidently  this  beating  of  the  wings  which  produced  the 
sound  of  the  muffled  drum,  in  the  hollow  and  dry  spot  oc- 
cupied by  the  half-decayed  trunk  of  the  tree  on  which  he  was 
perched. 

This  droll  bird  was  surrounded  by  a  number  of  others  exactly 
like  himself,  but  without  the  feathered  ruff  round  the  neck;  they 
no  doubt  were  assembled  to  witness  his  antics,  and  by  the  earnest 
attention  with  which  they  watched  him,  seemed  to  be  greatly 
delighted. 

All  this  so  excited  my  curiosity  that  I  had  determined  to  wait 
and  see  the  end  of  the  play;  when  suddenly  an  unexpected  shot 
from  behind  where  I  stood,  fired  by  my  impetuous  son  Fritz,  put 
an  end  to  the  comedy. 

The  inspired  drummer  fell  from  the  stage  and  lay  stretched  in 
the  sand.  The  feathered  and  scared  audience  took  to  flight,  and 
my  anxious  expectations  of  an  amusing  termination  to  the  plav 
had  vanished,  and  left  me  nothing  but  empty  disappointment. 

This  interruption  of  a  remarkable  theatrical  performance  was 
not  pleasing  to  me,  and  I  could  not  refrain  from  reproving  Fritz 
for  his  rashness;  and  by  so  doing,  greatly  lessened  his  pride  in 
hai'ing  aimed  so  correctly.     However,  as  the  creature  was  really 

[228] 


ROBINSON 

dead,  and  on  examination  proved  to  be  a  valuable  prize,  I  over- 
looked the  eagerness  of  the  sportsman/ 

We  packed  the  Canadian  fowl  on  the  back  of  the  ass,  and  con- 
tinued on  our  way,  till  we  arrived  at  the  spot  where  we  had  left 


the  sledge  in  the  calabash  wood,  and  to  our  great  joy  found 
everything  in  the  best  condition. 

The  morning,  however,  was  by  this  time  far  advanced,  and  I 
found  it,  therefore,  necessary  to  hasten  forward  on  our  proposed 
excursion  to  the  chain  of  rocks,  and,  if  possible,  discover  whether 
we  were  on  the  inner  land  of  an  extensive  promontory,  or  on  an 
island  surrounded  by  the  ocean. 

In  our  way  to  the  rocks  we  passed  a  small  brook  similar  to  that 
near  Falcon's  Nest,  which  offered  a  welcome  refreshment. 

Leaving  the  guava  wood  behind  us,  we  passed  through  large 
plantations  of  manihot  or  cassava  and  potatoes,  which  interrupted 
our  progress  not  a  little.     We  were  compensated,  however,  for  the 

1  This  singular  bird  is  a  native  of  Canada,  called  by  some  naturalists  Tetrag 
tympanum,  but  it  is  better  known  by  the  name  of  the  mjfed  grouse, 

J  2^9] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

delay  by  the  beautiful  appearance  which  the  blossoms  of  these 
plants  presented  to  our  eyes. 

At  a  little  distance  farther  on  we  came  upon  a  new  grove  of 
trees  of  a  singular  form,  while  from  the  branches  hung  a  great 
number  of  curious  clusters  of  berries  exactly  like  wax.  We 
plucked  several  of  them,  and  found  that  the  warmth  of  our  hands 
made  them  stick  to  our  fingers. 

I  remembered  then  having  read  that  a  kind  of  wax-bearing 
plant  grows  in  America,  known  in  botany  as  the  Myrica  cerifera. 
I  was,  therefore,  greatly  pleased  with  this  discovery;  and  Fritz, 
observing  my  satisfaction,  inquired: 

"Are  these  berries  of  any  use,  papa.?  They  do  not  appear 
good  to  eat." 

"They  are  not  useful  as  food,  certainly,  Fritz,"  I  replied; 
"but  we  shall  no  doubt  be  able  to  make  wax  candles  of  them  for 
the  winter  evenings,  which  will  be  of  great  service  to  us;  for  if 
properly  made,  they  will  burn  for  a  long  time,  and  not  only  give 
forth  a  bright  light,  but  also  an  agreeable  smell." 

The  prospect  of  candle-making,  and  light  during  the  winter 
evenings,  greatly  pleased  Fritz,  and  he  gladly  assisted  me  in 
gathering  as  many  berries  as  we  could  cram  into  a  sack  for  the 
ass  to  carry;   and  we  then  continued  our  journey. 

We  had  not  proceeded  far  when  we  came  upon  a  singular- 
looking  object  built  round  the  trunk  of  a  tree,  which  looked  like 
a  large  umbrella. 

As  we  stood  gazing  at  it  in  surprise,  I  noticed  several  birds 
rather  larger  than  a  yellow  hammer  or  a  goldfinch,  but  with  brown 
plumage,  flying  about,  or  entering  this  strange  dwelling  by  small 
holes  at  the  sides  or  underneath. 

I  saw  at  once  that  this  singular  formation  consisted  of  a  great 
number  of  nests  built  on  a  tree,  round  the  stem,  at  the  point  from 
which  the  lower  branches  spring,  by  a  colony  of  birds  who  ap- 
peared to  be  living  together  in  the  most  sociable  manner. 

Each  pair  of  birds  had  its  own  nest;   in  fact,  this  curious  con- 

[230] 


ROBINSON 

struction  was  like  a  town  full  of  houses,  all  under  one  roof.  This 
roof  was  in  itself  a  wonderful  sight;  being  formed  of  straw  and 
moss,  and  sloping  down  from  the  trunk  of  the  tree  like  the  cover 
of  an  umbrella,  was,  therefore,  a  complete  protection  from  both 
the  sun  and  the  rain.*  The  branches  and  boughs  of  the  tree 
w  hich  these  birds  had  chosen  for  their  building  also  overshadowed 
and  partly  concealed  the  colonial  residence,  enabling  the  little 
creatures  to  slip  in  and  out  of  their  nest-entrances  without  at- 
tracting attention.  The  tree  was  also  in  the  depth  of  the  forest, 
yet  itself  far  removed  from  those  around  it,  to  give  the  bird 
colonists  room  for  the  town  they  wished  to  build.  And,  indeed, 
they  required  a  good  space,  for  the  size  was  astonishing,  and  re- 
minded me  of  an  immense  swimming-bath,  with  little  entrances 
all  round,  as  a  means  of  ingress  and  egress  to  the  swimmers. 

The  number,  also,  of  the  feathered  inhabitants  greatly  aston- 
ished me;  for  they  took  alarm  at  our  approach,  and  flew  around 
us  in  a  state  of  great  excitement,  chattering  angrily,  and  evidently 
ready  to  repel  by  thousands  of  beaks  any  attack  on  their  com- 
munity. 

While  observing  with  admiration  this  wonderful  proof  of  bird 
instinct,  I  was  surprised  to  see  a  species  of  small  parrot  enter 
some  of  the  nests,  causing  a  great  commotion  among  the  col- 
onists, who  opposed  it  bravely;  but  the  intruders  managed,  in 
spite  of  angry  attacks,  to  obtain  possession  of  some  of  the  empty 
nests. 

On  seeing  this,  Fritz,  who  very  much  wished  to  secure  a  living 
parrot,  and  curious  to  examine  these  remarkable  nests  more 
closely,  threw  his  gun  on  the  ground  and  climbed  up  the  tree. 

On  reaching  the  nearest  branch  which  hung  over  the  building, 
he  seized  it  with  one  hand,  while  he  thrust  the  other  into  the 
nearest  nest-opening — it  was  empty.  He  shifted  his  position, 
and  tried  another,  with  the  same  result.     The  third  time  he  got 

'  The  birds  who  live  in  this  sociable  manner,  and  unite  in  building  such  a 
wonderful  residence,  are  on  this  account  sometimes  called  umbrella  birds. 

[231] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

rewarded  for  his  boldness  as  a  nest-robber;  for  while  feeling  the 
soft  feathers  of  birds  in  the  nest,  a  hard,  seed-cracking  beak  seized 
his  finger,  and  obliged  him  quickly  to  withdraw  his  hand  and  cry 
out  with  pain  as  he  shook  it  in  the  air. 

But  he  had  not  lost  his  hold  on  the  bough,  and  his  courage  was 
not  even  daunted  by  this  attack.  He  again  quickly  thrust  his 
hand  into  the  nest,  and  seizing  the  lovely  biter,  he  brought  him 
out  in  spite  of  his  screams  into  daylight,  and,  placing  the  bird 
hastily  in  his  pocket,  descended  the  tree  with  speed.  But  the 
cries  of  the  little  prisoner  attracted  the  birds  from  their  nests, 
and  they  assembled  round  him  in  such  numbers,  and  in  such  a 
threatening  attitude  that  he  considered  it  advisable  to  beat  a 
retreat. 

When  at  last  he  felt  himself  safe,  he  drew  his  captive  from  his 
pocket,  and  on  examination  found  he  had  captured  a  kind  of 
sparrow-parrot  with  a  beautiful  green  plumage. 

Fritz  was  highly  delighted  with  his  prize,  which  he  again  care- 
fully placed  in  his  pocket,  to  take  home  with  him,  and  teach  it  to 
talk. 

As  we  continued  our  journey  our  conversation  naturally  turned 
on  this  wonderful  colony  of  birds,  and  their  sociability  with  one 
another.  Fritz  asked  if  there  were  many  other  creatures  in  the 
world  living  together  in  such  social  communities,  and  whether 
the  mechanical  power  they  displayed  in  building  wonderful 
homes  for  themselves  could  be  the  result  of  instinct. 

"This  is  a  difficult  question,  Fritz,"  I  remarked,  "for  we  might 
justly  attribute  the  cleverness  of  which  you  speak  to  reason;  yet 
other  animals  possess  it,  especially  those  who  form  communities 
of  their  own.  The  beavers  build  quite  a  village,  in  which  a  large 
number  live  together  in  great  sociability  and  companionship,  and 
work  pleasantly  together.  Bees,  wasps,  and  drones  also  possess 
this  social  instinct  very  strongly,  as  well  as  the  coral  insects  and 
ants. 

"Ah,  yes,  papa,  I  have  often  watched  the  ants  working  together 

[232] 


ROBINSON 


HE     BROUGHT     HIM     OUT 
IN  SPITE  OF  HIS  SCREAMS 


ROBINSON 

in  their  communities,  building  and  providing  their  food  for  win- 
ter;  it  is  a  most  amusing  sight." 

"Have  you  also  remarked,"  I  said,  "how  the  ants  scatter  their 
eggs  about  to  be  hatched  by  the  sun  ?" 

"Oh,  papa!"  he  exclaimed,  hastily,  "I  am  not  so  silly  as  to 
believe  that  what  people  call  ants'  eggs  are  really  eggs — at  least, 
in  the  proper  sense  of  the  word.  Indeed,  I  know  that  they  are 
the  chrysalis  of  the  ant-worm,  or  larvae,  which  is  a  tiny  litde  worm 
produced  from  a  very,  very  small  egg.  The  sun  after  a  certain 
time  opens  the  chrysalis-case,  and  a  litde  ant  comes  out  and  be- 
gins to  work  directly,  as  the  others  do." 

"Correctly  explained,  my  dear  boy,"  I  said;  "but  if  ants  and 
their  doings  are  so  wonderful  in  our  own  dear  country,  what 
would  be  your  astonishment  to  hear  of  the  industry  and  work  of 
those  which  are  natives  of  other  lands!  They  build  for  their  eggs 
a  kind  of  oven  or  nest,  from  four  to  six  feet  high,  and  nearly  as 
broad:  the  walls  and  roof  of  this  nest  are  so  hard  and  thick,  that 
neither  rain  nor  sunshine  can  penetrate  it.  In  this  enclosure  are 
streets,  galleries,  vaults,  and  store-cellars;  and  it  is  so  firmly 
built  that  it  might  readily  be  used,  with  a  little  alteration,  as  a 
baking-oven  for  the  service  of  man. 

"The  ant  itself  is  an  ugly  and  unpleasant  insect,  for  the  crea- 
tures destroy,  by  gnawing  and  tearing,  everything  that  comes  in 
their  way,  and  will  steal  all  that  is  useful  for  their  storehouses, 
even  when  supposed  to  be  concealed  from  their  view.  Many 
other  insects,  as  well  as  birds  and  four-footed  animals,  are,  how- 
ever, enemies  to  ants,  upon  which  they  feed.  Among  these  the 
great  ant-bear  or  ant-eater  is  their  most  formidable  enemy,  and 
by  nature  fitted  for  the  work.  He  has  on  his  fore  feet  large  claws, 
which  enable  him  to  tear  down  and  destroy  their  vaulted  nests, 
or  ant-hills,  and  comfortable  dwellings;  and  when  the  poor  litde 
creatures  are  scattered  in  every  direction  and  trying  to  escape  or 
to  hide,  he  puts  out  his  long  tongue,  which  is  sticky  like  glue  on 
the  surface,  and  to  this  they  adhere,  and  are  drawn  into  his  mouth 

[235] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

by  hundreds.  This  performance  is  so  easy  as  well  as  agreeable 
to  the  ant-eater,  that  in  some  countries  it  is  said  his  appear- 
ance is  gladly  welcomed,  for  in  a  very  short  time  all  the  ant- 
hills cease  to  exist.  I  have  read  also  that  in  some  countries 
the  savages  eat  them  for  food,  so  that  ants  cannot  always  be  so 
very  repulsive." 

While  thus  describing  the  natural  history  of  ants  to  my  son 
Fritz,  we  had  made  tolerable  progress,  and  presently  arrived  at  a 
little  wood  containing  a  singular  kind  of  wild  fig-tree.  The  fruit 
was  round,  and  full  of  little  seed-kernels  in  a  soft  fleshy  pulp  that 
had  a  bitter  taste.  However,  as  we  approached  nearer,  I  noticed 
a  kind  of  sap  or  gum,  which,  after  oozing  from  the  trunk  of  the 
tree,  appeared  to  have  become  dry  and  hard  by  the  influence  of 
the  air  and  the  sun's  heat. 

Fritz  declared  that  this  new  discovery  reminded  him  of  the 
gum  which  flowed  from  the  plum-tree  in  Europe,  and  also  of 
gum-arabic,  which  was  so  useful,  when  mixed  with  lime,  to 
make  paste.  He  therefore  tried  to  loosen  some  portions  from 
the  tree  to  take  home  with  him  as  a  useful  store  for  such  a 
purpose. 

While  proceeding  on  our  journey,  Fritz  amused  himself  by 
rubbing  some  pieces  of  the  hardened  gum  through  his  fingers, 
and  found  to  his  surprise  that  the  warmth  of  his  hands  softened 
it.  A  sudden  thought  struck  him.  He  took  a  piece  of  the  soft- 
ened gum  in  both  hands  and  stretched  it  out  to  a  great  length; 
then,  suddenly  releasing  one  end,  it  sprang  back  to  its  former 
size,  proving  at  once  that  it  was  elastic. 

"Papa,  papa,  stop!"  cried  the  boy,  running  after  me,  for  I  had 
walked  on  quickly.  I  turned  at  the  sound;  and  as  he  reached  me, 
almost  breathless,  he  exclaimed: 

"Look,  papa!  I  believe  that  the  trees  we  took  for  wild 
figs  are  caoutchouc-trees,  for  this  I  am  sure  is  india-rubber.  I 
stretched  it  out,  and  when  I  let  go  it  slipped  back  suddenly  to  its 
former  size." 

[^36] 


ROB  IN  SON 

"What  a  splendid  discovery!"  1  exclaimed,  with  great  joy.  "It 
will  indeed  be  of  great  service  to  us  in  many  ways.  I  will  go 
back  with  you  and  examine  the  tree." 

"But,  papa,"  said  Fritz,  as  we  retraced  our  steps,  "can  any  use 
be  made  of  india-rubber  besides  rubbing  out  pencil-marks  on 
paper : 

"Certainly,  my  boy,"  I  replied.  "The  caoutchouc-tree  pro- 
duces a  kind  of  milky  sap,  which  oozes  from  the  trunk  of  the  tree 
through  an  incision  in  the  bark.  It  was  brought  to  Switzerland 
from  France  and  Portugal,  but  I  believe  it  is  a  native  of  Brazil, 
Guiana,  and  Cayenne,  in  South  America.  We  have  it  sent  to  us 
at  home  in  the  form  of  bottles.  These  are  made  by  the  natives, 
who  cut  incisions  in  the  bark,  and,  while  it  is  fresh  and  flowing, 
receive  it  into  moulds  of  the  shape  of  bottles,  goblets,  spoons,  and 
many  other  articles,  even  boots  and  shoes." 

"  But  why  is  our  india-rubber  so  black  .?"  asked  Fritz. 

"Because,"  I  replied,  "when  the  liquid  is  dry  and  thick,  it  is 
taken  from  the  mould  and  hung  up  to  harden  in  smoke,  which 
turns  it  black." 

By  this  time  we  had  reached  the  cocoanut  wood,  and  recog- 
nized at  the  right  the  broad  bay  we  had  before  seen,  and  to  the 
left  the  promontory  of  False  Hope,  which  seemed  to  be  the  ter- 
mination of  our  excursion.  Here  first  it  occurred  to  me  that, 
among  so  many  cocoanut-palms,  we  might  find  one  of  those 
valuable  trees  called  the  sago-palm. 

I  presently  noticed  a  large  trunk  lying  on  the  ground,  which 
had  evidently  been  thrown  down  by  the  wind,  in  this  I  found  a 
quantity  of  sap  of  a  floury  nature,  which  I  tasted,  and  discovered 
that  it  exactly  resembled  European  sago. 

I  was  confirmed  also  in  my  supposition  by  seeing  a  number  of 
white  worms,  usually  found  in  the  sap,  on  which  they  fatten,  and 
evidently  large  enough  now  for  the  change  to  a  chrysalis.  These 
creatures  I  knew  were  highly  esteemed  as  a  delicacy  in  the  West 
India   islands.     I   quickly,   therefore,   collected   enough    to  fill   a 


TSS  SWISS  FAMILY 

dish,  and  determined  to  taste  them  in  spite  of  their  repulsive 
appearance. 

For  this  purpose  I  hastily  lighted  a  fire,  and  placed  before  it 
three  sticks,  tied  together  at  the  top,  to  form  a  triangle.  I  then, 
after  sprinkling  them  with  salt,  stuck  the  little  worms  on  a  wooden 
spit,  and  rested  the  spit  on  the  triangular  sticks  in  front  of  the 
fire. 

Fritz  regarded  my  proceedings  with  surprise.  He  could  not 
imagine  I  really  intended  to  eat  these  reptiles,  and  evidently  con- 
sidered it  a  good  joke,  until  I  placed  potatoes  in  the  hot  ashes 
beneath  my  roast,  that  the  tat  might  drop  upon  them.  It  then 
appeared  to  him  beyond  a  joke. 

But  presently  my  cooking  exhaled  such  a  tempting  and  delicious 
smell,  that  Fritz  conquered  his  repugnance;  I  was  not  left,  there- 
fore, to  enjoy  this  my  first  experiment  alone,  for  he  was  as  ready 
to  eat  of  the  new  dish  as  myself.  The  fat,  spread  upon  the  baked 
potatoes  like  butter,  added  greatly  to  their  flavor. 

After  this  unusual  meal,  we  started  again  on  our  journey,  and 
presently  reached  a  thick  growth  of  bamboo  canes,  which  we  did 
not  attempt  to  pass  through,  for  it  seemed  boundless.  Turning, 
however,  to  the  left,  toward  a  beacon  that  marked  an  outlet,  we 
reached  a  grove  of  sugar-canes,  which  grew  just  beyond  and 
promised  us  at  least  some  booty.  It  was  not  likely  that  we  should 
return  home  empty-handed,  so  we  gathered  a  large  bundle  of  the 
sweet  dainty  and  added  it  to  our  ass's  load.  Neither  did  we  for- 
get to  refresh  ourselves  on  the  way  with  the  contents  of  some 
pieces  of  sugar-cane. 

On  reaching  the  spot  where  we  had  left  the  loaded  sledge,  and 
adding  to  it  the  articles  which  the  donkey  had  hitherto  carried  on 
his  back,  we  harnessed  him  to  it. 

Poor  old  Graycoat,  therefore,  was  obliged  to  accommodate  him- 
self patiently  and  meekly  to  the  task  of  drawing  the  sledge  home. 

We  reached  Falcon's  Nest,  however,  in  good  time  and  without 
further  adventure.     The  dear  ones  at  home  were  glad  to  see  us, 

[238] 


ROBINSON 

for  our  long  absence  had  made  them  rather  anxious,  and  also 
greatly  pleased  with  the  booty  we  had  brought  home. 

The  description  of  our  journey  and  what  we  had  seen  gave  great 
satisfaction,  but  the  delight  of  the  younger  boys  at  the  appearance 
of  the  green  parrot  threw  all  else  in  the  shade. 

After  supper,  however,  we  were  glad  to  climb  to  our  bedroom 
in  the  tree,  draw  up  the  rope  ladder,  and  enjoy  refreshing  sleep, 
after  the  fatigues  of  the  day. 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER   XIX 

CANDLE-MAKING — THE    NEW   CART 

ANDLE-MAKING  to-day!  Candle-making!"  ex- 
claimed the  boys  when  they  rose  next  morning; 
and  they  gave  me  no  rest,  after  we  had  break- 
fasted, till  I  promised  to  commence  at  once  my 
attempt  at  the  construction  of  candles  from  the 
berries  of  the  wax  plant.  I  knew,  however,  that  a  little  grease  or 
tallow  would  improve  the  wax,  and  make  my  candles  burn  longer 
and  with  more  brilliancy;  but  as  we  had  nothing  of  the  sort, 
I  was  obliged  to  do  the  best  I  could  with  the  berries,  and  hope 
to  succeed. 

First  we  placed  as  many  berries  as  possible  in  a  large  saucepan, 
and  stood  it  over  the  fire  to  melt;  in  a  very  short  time  these 
berries  produced  a  considerable  quantity  of  beautiful  green  w^ax. 
This  was  thrown  into  a  large  vessel  while  in  a  liquid  state,  and 
placed  near  the  fire.  While  the  berries  were  melting,  we  prepared 
a  number  of  wicks  from  the  threads  of  the  sail-cloth,  and  these 
were  dipped  into  the  w^ax  quickly  and  carefully,  after  being  drawn 
out  and  hung  in  the  air  till  the  wax  became  congealed  and  fixed 
firmly  round  the  wicks. 

This  operation  we  performed  two  or  three  times,  till  the  wicks 
had  taken  sufficient  wax  to  form  candles  of  tolerably  respectable 
shape  and  thickness.  At  last  we  hung  them  up  in  a  cool  place 
to  harden,  and  although  they  were  far  inferior  in  roundness  and 
size  to  those  we  could  purchase  at  home,  yet  when  night  came, 
and  one  was  lighted,  it  threw  around  us  such  a  clear,  bright  light, 
that  we  were  overjoyed  with  the  result.    There  would  be  no  occa- 

[240] 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O  N 

sion  now  for  us  to  go  to  bed  at  sunset,  for  this  light  would  serve 
us  in  our  tree-castle  sleeping-apartment  in  a  most  convenient 
manner. 

This  success  m  candle-making  encouraged  me  to  try  a  second 
attempt  of  another  description,  which  the  mother  had  long  wished 
for.  She  had  often  a  large  store  of  cream  to  spare,  which  would 
have  m.ade  excellent  butter;  but  among  the  articles  found  on 
board    ship,    we 


found  no  churn, 
and  I  therefore 
resolved  to  try 
another  plan,  a 
description  of 
which  I  had 
read. 

I  chose  the 
largest  of  our 
calabash  bottles, 
and  after  filling 
it  half  full  of 
cream,  closed  it 
tightly,  that  none 
might  run  out. 
I  then  placed  ^^"^^^^M 
four  stakes  in 
the  ground,  to 
these  I  tied  a 
piece  of  sail- 
cloth by  the  four 
corners,  and  laid 
the   bottle  upon 

it.  At  each  side,  between  the  stakes,  I  placed  one  of  the  boys, 
and  desired  him  to  roll  it  backward  and  forward,  by  alternately 
raising  the  cloth,  so  as  to  keep  it  in  constant  agitation. 

[241  ] 


Xas  SWISS  FAMILY 

This  performance  proved  capital  fun,  for  the  boys  were  de- 
Hghted  with  their  work,  and  kept  it  up  with  jokes  and  laughter 
for  more  than  half  an  hour,  for  I  had  warned  them  not  to  pause 
for  a   moment. 

At  the  end  of  that  time  I  opened  the  botde,  and  found,  to  our 
great  joy,  that  there  had  been  churned  some  really  good  butter. 

I  had,  however,  another  and  much  more  difficult  undertaking 
on  my  mind,  which  for  a  long  time  seemed  impracticable.  I  had 
noticed  that  the  sledge  was  not  only  inconvenient,  but  also  very 
heavy  for  our  animals  to  draw;  and  as  we  had  brought  four  cart- 
wheels from  the  wreck  on  one  of  our  expeditions,  I  had  long 
wished  to  construct  a  little  cart,  or  some  vehicle  suitable  for  carry- 
ing different  articles  from  one  place  to  another. 

As  I  now  possessed  the  necessary  tools  and  implements,  such 
as  a  saw,  wood,  iron,  gimlet  and  hammer,  nails  and  screws,  I 
determined  to  try  what  I  could  do,  and  after  some  trouble  and  dif- 
ficulty, I  succeeded  in  constructing  a  sort  of  little  carriage,  which, 
though  not  very  elegant  in  appearance,  would,  I  knew,  be  very 
useful,  especially  in  bringing  home  corn  in  the  time  of  harvest. 

In  the  meantime,  my  folks  at  Zeltheim  were  employed  daily  in 
transplanting  the  European  fruit-trees  which  I  had  brought  from 
the  wreck.  The  vines  were  placed  carefully  near  the  arched 
roots,  for  they  were  grape-vines,  and  required  air  and  a  shady 
place;  but  the  oranges,  citrons,  the  shaddock,^  the  pistacio-nut, 
mulberries,  medlars,  olives,  cherries,  and  other  fruit  containing 
kernels,  were  planted  on  the  way  to  the  bridge  over  the  Jackal 
River,  where  they  could  obtain  light  and  warmth. 

I  wished  also  to  make  the  rocks  at  Zeltheim  a  kind  of  fortifica- 
tion, as  all  our  ammunition  lay  there;  and  although  the  vegeta- 
tion was  very  rapid  in  this  climate,  and  a  hedge  of  thorny  plants 
would  in  a  short  time  form  a  protection  against  wild  beasts  round 
the  spot,  yet  something  more  was  necessary  to  prevent  interrup- 
tion   or   interference   from    savages.     I     resolved,    therefore,    to 

'  A  kind  of  orange  nearly  as  large  as  a  child's  head. 
[  242  ] 


ROBINSON 

choose  two  little  elevations  near  the  river,  on  which  to  fix  the  two 
cannons  from  the  pinnace,  and  also  to  plant  a  thick  hedge  of 
thorns  around  the  whole  spot. 

These  engagements  employed  us  entirely  for  six  weeks,  and,  by 
the  mercy  of  God,  this  constant  activity  had  given  health  to  our 
bodies  and  contentment  to  our  hearts.  Each  Sunday  as  it  arrived 
had  been  regularly  kept,  and  the  rest  and  refreshment  of  mind 
and  body  gave  us  renewed  courage  to  continue  our  daily  labor. 

Sunday  services  were  always  welcome,  and  I  still  continued  to 
encourage  my  boys  in  exercises  which  strengthened  the  muscles, 
such  as  swinging,  wrestling,  hauling  and  lifting;  and  these  they 
managed  with  such  great  strength,  that  I  hoped  in  time  they  would 
also  excel  in  running,  climbing,  archery,  and  swimming. 

Religious  exercises  calmed  the  spirits  of  the  young  people  for 
the  early  part  of  the  day,  yet  I  was  surprised  to  find  them  as  fresh 
and  eager  for  gymnastic  exertion  as  if  the  week's  work  had  been 
mere  play.  Nothing  is  so  refreshing  to  mind  and  body  as  a 
change  of  employment. 

But  the  hard  work  of  six  weeks  had  completely  worn  out  our 
clothes,  and  this,  with  other  important  reasons,  made  me  consider 
it  necessary  to  return  once  more  to  the  wreck.  I  also  wished,  if 
possible,  to  bring  away  one  or  two  more  of  the  cannon,  to  place 
on  the  heights  of  our  fortification. 

On  the  first  fine  day,  therefore,  I  set  out  m  the  pinnace  for  the 
wreck,  with  the  three  elder  boys.  We  found  everything  just  as 
we  had  left  it;  but  the  wind  and  waves  had  loosened  the  beams 
and  damaged  the  powder-casks.  The  sailors'  chests,  however,  were 
in  tolerably  good  condition,  and  these  we  placed  on  board  the  pin- 
nace by  means  of  the  crane,  as  well  as  a  box  containing  a  quantity 
of  ball  and  shot,  and  two  small  cannon;  but  the  four- pounder 
was  too  heavy  to  be  moved,  so  we  returned  to  land  without  it. 

On  the  second  trip  we  towed  our  tub-boat  behind  the  pinnace, 
and  quickly  loaded  it  with  planks,  doors,  window-shutters,  locks 
and  bolts,  and  as  many  other  precious  things  as  we  could  possibly 

[  243  ] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

carry.  At  last,  when  it  seemed  as  if  we  had  plundered  the 
wreck  of  every  useful  article,  I  resolved  to  blow  it  up  with  gun- 
powder, in  the  hope  that  the  wind  and  the  waves  would  cast  on 
shore  wood  and  beams,  as  well  as  other  articles  suitable  for 
house-building,  vv^hich  were  too  heavy  for  us  to  bring  away  in 
our  boats. 

Before  leaving  the  wreck,  however,  I  had  discovered  a  large 
heavy  copper  caldron,  used  for  refining  sugar,  which  I  thought 
might  be  saved.  I  therefore  attached  it  to  two  empty  casks,  strong 
enough  to  support  it,  and  launched  them  all  into  the  sea. 

When  ready  to  start,  I  discovered  a  powder-barrel  that  we  were 
obliged  to  leave  behind;  this  I  rolled  into  the  hold  of  the  ship, 
and  fastened  to  it  carefully  the  end  of  a  fusee,  spreading  powder 
also  for  a  considerable  distance  from  the  cask  to  the  very  edge  of 
the  gangway.  Then,  after  lighting  the  fusee  and  a  piece  of  tow, 
I  sprang  into  the  boat,  where  the  boys  were  already  seated,  and, 
with  outspread  sail,  hastened  toward  the  shore. 

We  had  scarcely  reached  the  bay  when  a  roar  of  majestic 
thunder  resounded  from  the  rocks,  and  at  the  same  moment  a 
brilliant  column  of  fire  rising  into  the  air,  announced  that  my 
plan  had  been  completed. 

A  feeling  of  sadness  came  over  me;  it  seemed  as  if  the  last  tie 
that  bound  us  to  our  dear  home  was  broken;  and  when  my  wife 
and  Frank  in  great  alarm  met  us  as  we  landed,  she  and  the  boys 
seemed  overcome  with  the  same  sad  feeling.  It  was  as  if  we  had 
lost  in  the  ship  an  old  and  dear  friend. 

My  wife  was  at  first  unable  to  understand  my  reasons  for  this 
destruction  of  the  wreck,  but  I  explained  the  matter,  and  begged 
her  to  wait  till  the  morning. 

A  night's  rest  enabled  us  to  shake  off  all  feelings  of  regret, 
especially  when  we  saw  the  consequences  on  the  shore.  The 
wreck  had  disappeared,  but  the  beach  was  strewn  with  wooden 
planks  and  beams,  while  on  the  sea  near  the  shore  floated  broken 
fragments  of  all  descriptions,  and  among  them  I  discovered,  with 

[244] 


ROBINSON 

great  satisfaction,  the  copper  caldron,  floating  between  the  two 
casks  to  which  I  had  fastened  it. 

Many  days  were  employed  in  collecting  all  these  useful  articles, 
and  piling  them  in  a  heap  on  the  shore;  but  my  greatest  anxiety 
was  to  fish  out  the  powder-casks,  and  place  them  for  safety  be- 
hind a  rock,  till  we  could  add  them  to  our  store  of  ammunition  at 
Zeltheim.  We  covered  them  with  earth  and  moss,  and  piled  some 
of  our  planks  of  wood  round  them,  as  a  greater  security.  My 
wife,  who  was  always  anxious  about  the  powder,  came  herself 
to  make  sure  there  was  no  danger,  and  she  brought  us  also  good 
news. 

Two  of  the  ducks  and  a  goose  which  we  had  left  at  Zeltheim 
had  just  brought  off  broods  of  ducklings  and  goslings,  who  were 
swimming  about  on  the  brook  in  all  the  delights  of  freedom.  We 
tried  to  make  them  used  to  us,  and  attracted  the  frolicsome  little 
creatures  by  throwing  to  them  crumbs  of  biscuit.  But  this  agree- 
able occupation  awoke  such  a  longing  desire  to  see  once  more  all 
our  feathered  folk  at  Falcon's  Nest,  that  we  decided  to  return 
there  on  the  following  day. 

On  our  road  to  Falcon's  Nest  in  the  morning,  I  noticed  that  the 
two  rows  of  newly-planted  fruit-trees  had  grown  so  rapidly,  that 
the  slender  stems  seemed  to  bend  with  weakness.  I  resolved, 
therefore,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  make  another  excursion  to  the 
promontory  of  False  Hope,  and  procure  a  number  of  bamboo 
canes,  to  be  planted  near  our  trees,  that  the  young  stems  might 
be  tied  to  them,  as  a  support  in  case  of  a  storm  or  strong  wind. 
In  addition  to  this  necessity  for  such  a  journey,  our  store  of  bam- 
boo canes,  as  well  as  of  other  useful  things,  was  quite  exhausted; 
and  one  of  the  hens  wanting  to  sit,  my  wife  was  anxious  to  place 
under  her  some  of  the  eggs  of  the  Canadian  fowl. 

I  decided,  therefore,  to  start  on  this  expedition  very  soon,  and 
as  all  my  family  were  to  accompany  me,  great  preparations  were 
necessary,  to  supply  us  with  provisions,  garden  implements,  and 
tools,  as  well  as  ammunition. 

[MS] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

With  these  we  loaded  both  the  sledge  and  the  newly  constructed 
cart,  across  which  I  had  placed  a  seat,  for  the  youngest  and  the 
weakest  to  ride  when  they  felt  tired.  In  our  stock  of  provisions 
was  included  a  bottle  of  wine  from  the  captain's  store,  two  bottles 
of  water,  and  no  end  of  necessary  ammunition,  partly  on  the  cart 
and  partly  on  the  sledge,  besides  what  we  could  carry  ourselves. 

To  enable  the  boys  to  climb  the  cocoanut-trees,  I  invented  a 
new  contrivance,  which  I  was  convinced  would  prove  useful,  not 
only  to  preserve  their  clothes  from  destruction,  but  also  to  give 
them  a  light  but  firm  hold  on  the  trunk.  For  this  purpose  I 
provided  myself  with  a  piece  of  the  shark's  skin,  and  formed  pads, 
to  bind  on  their  arms  and  knees  when  they  climbed  for  cocoanuts. 
We  could  not  always  expect  to  find  apes  or  crabs  on  the  branches 
to  throw  dovvii  the  nuts,  and  therefore  I  wished  the  boys  to 
learn  the  art  of  climbing,  and  in  that  way  obtain  a  supply  for 
themselves. 

W^e  started  on  a  beautiful  morning  in  high  spirits  from  Falcon's 
Nest,  and  I  led  my  household  by  the  newly-discovered  road  to  the 
plantations  of  potatoes,  manihot,  and  cassava-roots,  through  which 
Fritz  and  I  had  passed,  and  at  length  reached  the  bird  colony  tree, 
and  the  spot  where  I  had  been  entertained  with  the  performances 
of  the  Canadian  grouse. 

My  dear  ones,  who  had  not  accompanied  Fritz  and  myself  in 
that  excursion,  were  very  curious  about  the  places  we  had  passed, 
and  listened  eagerly  to  the  accounts  we  gave  of  what  we  had  seen. 
"Do  you  think  we  could  procure  any  of  the  Canadian  fowl's 
eggs  now,  papa  ?"  asked  Jack. 

"Better  wait  till  our  return,"  remarked  his  mother.  "How 
could  we  carry  eggs  so  far  without  breaking  them  .?" 

I  felt  this  remark  to  be  true,  and  as  the  wax-berry-tree  soon 
came  in  sight,  the  eggs  were  forgotten,  while  the  boys  eagerly 
gathered  berries  enough  to  fill  two  sacks,  which  were  stowed  away 
safely  in  a  spot  we  should  pass  on  our  way  home. 

When  we  reached  the  india-rubber  tree,  I  made  several  incisions 

[246] 


ROBINSON 

in  the  bark,  from  which  the  gum  oozed  freely,  and  soon  filled  all 
our  little  vessels. 

These  also  were  left  to  their  fate  for  our  homeward  journey,  and 
we  continued  to  advance  till  we  reached  the  cocoanut  wood,  and 
leaving  it  on  the  left,  presently  arrived  at  an  open  spot  situated 
between  the  grove  of  sugar-canes  and  the  bamboo-bushes,  which 
lay  at  a  little  distance  beyond.  Here  we  paused  to  admire  a  beau- 
tiful landscape  which  lay  stretched  out  before  us.  On  our  left  was 
the  sugar-cane  grove,  to  the  right  the  bamboos,  and  before  us  a 
splendid  avenue  of  palm-trees,  beyond  which  could  be  seen  the 
promontory  of  False  Hope,  stretching  out  into  the  deep  sea. 

The  prospect  was  so  charming,  and  the  spot  so  attractive,  that 
for  a  time  we  felt  almost  inclined  to  remove  from  Falcon's  Nest, 
and  take  up  our  abode  here.  But  the  safety  of  our  night  castle 
in  the  great  tree,  and  a  multitude  of  other  advantages  which  we 
enjoyed  at  Falcon's  Nest,  made  us  decide  to  remain  at  the  dear 
old  home. 

Here,  however,  we  determined  to  make  a  halt  for  our  midday 
meal,  so  the  animals  were  unharnessed  from  the  cart,  and  set  at 
liberty,  to  graze  on  the  rich  pasture  beneath  the  shade  of  the  palm- 
trees.  We  also  produced  from  our  store  of  provisions  enough  for 
a  slight  repast,  while  resting  on  the  overshadowed  turf;  and  then 
I  and  the  boys  set  to  work  to  cut  down  and  tie  together  bamboo 
and  sugar-canes,  in  bundles  of  a  size  suitable  for  placing  on  the 
cart  conveniently. 

This  exertion  aroused  the  only  half-satisfied  appetites  of  the 
boys,  which  they  were  obliged  to  appease  by  sucking  sugar-canes, 
for  the  mother  would  not  spare  a  morsel  of  what  she  had  saved  for 
supper  in  the  evening. 

At  length  they  cast  longing  eyes  on  the  cocoanuts,  which  hung 
in  clusters  so  temptingly  from  the  palms.  They  sought  on  the 
ground  for  some  time,  but  in  vain,  for  fallen  fruit,  and  then  Fritz 
and  Jack  started  forward,  and  commenced  climbing  the  trees. 
They  rose  at  first  rapidly,  but  the  trunk  was  too  large  and  too 

[247] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

smooth  for  them  to  cHng  round  it;  they  sHd  down,  therefore,  to 
the  ground,  and  measured,  with  discouraged  eyes,  the  height  of 
the  smooth  and  polished  stem. 

In  this  dilemma  I  produced  the  rough  pads  of  the  shark's  skin, 
and  after  fastening  them  to  the  arms  and  knees  of  the  two  boys, 
I  told  them  to  try  again,  as  the  rough  surface  would  enable  them 
to  rest  and  take  breath  by  clinging  round  the  stem  with  their 
knees. 

In  addition  to  this,  I  bound  a  piece  of  rope  round  each  of  their 
legs  to  keep  the  pieces  of  shark's  skin  firm,  and  also  round  the 
tree,  so  that  they  might  carry  it  with  them  to  the  top,  as  it  would 
help  them  to  descend  more  easily.  I  knew  that  savages  and 
Negro  slaves  adopted  this  plan  when  climbing,  so  I  had  no  fear 
of  their  not  succeeding,  and  I  saw  the  two  boys  swing  themselves 
up  and  reach  the  top  of  the  tree  more  quickly  than  I  had  even 
dared  to  hope. 

Joyfully  Fritz  and  Jack  had  made  the  attempt,  and,  as  they 
soon  reached  the  crown  of  the  tree,  each  took  an  axe  from  his 
leathern  girdle,  and  struck  so  bravely  the  clusters  of  cocoanuts, 
that  they  fell  to  the  ground  like  hail,  and  we  had  to  escape  quickly 
out  of  the  way,  lest  they  should  fall  on  our  heads. 

They  reached  the  ground  with  equal  success,  and  almost  beside 
themselves  with  joy,  received  our  earnest  congratulations  that  this 
wonderful  gymnastic  performance  on  such  a  lofty  tree  had  turned 
out  so  well. 

Ernest  alone  appeared  to  take  no  part  in  the  general  delight, 
and  while  Fritz  and  Jack  were  enjoying  their  booty,  they  joked 
him  upon  the  heroism  he  had  shown  with  no  little  sarcasm. 

Upon  this  he  looked  serious,  uttered  a  sigh,  and  regarded  the 
summit  of  the  palms  with  a  meditative  air.  At  last,  turning  to 
me,  he  requested  the  loan  of  half  a  cocoanut-shell  for  a  drinking- 
cup.  Then  he  rose  from  the  ground  on  which  he  had  been  lying, 
and  exclaimed: 

^'Honored  sirs  and  madamel    I  confess  that  climbing  trees  k 

[248] 


ROBINSON 

not  to  my  taste,  yet  as  I  perceive  it  has  brought  to  my  brothers 
great  honor,  I  must  endeavor  to  perform  this  marvellous  exploit; 
and  I  hope  to  obtain,  by  so  doing,  something  quite  as  agreeable 
and  of  equal  value  to  the  cocoanuts  procured  by  my  illustrious 
brothers." 

"Bravo!  bravo!"  I  cried.  "It  is  right  that  you  should  not  be 
behind  your  brothers  in  energy.  I  am  glad  to  see  you  roused, 
Ernest";  and  as  I  spoke,  I  bound  the  shark's-skin  pads  to  his 
arms  and  knees,  while  he  slung  the  cocoanut-shell  to  the  button- 
hole of  his  waistcoat.  He  hardly  gave  me  time  to  arrange  the 
pads  properly,  before  he  started  forward,  and  commenced  climb- 
ing one  of  the  smaller  trees  with  such  rapidity,  that  he  was  at  the 
top  before  I  could  believe  it  possible. 

A  smothered  burst  of  laughter  from  Fritz  and  Jack  starded  me: 
they  had  discovered  that  Ernest  was  climbing  a  tree  on  which 
grew  no  fruit. 

Ernest  heard  the  laugh  with  indifference,  and  mounting  to  the 
very  top,  he  took  his  axe  from  his  girdle,  and  with  one  or  two 
strokes  cut  off  the  large,  delicately-formed  leaves  from  the  crown; 
and  as  they  fell  at  our  feet,  we  turned  aside  to  avoid  them. 

"Destructive  boy!"  exclaimed  his  mother;  "in  a  fit  of  revenge 
at  finding  no  fruit,  he  has  destroyed  a  beautiful   palm-tree." 

"Do  not  be  displeased,  mamma,"  said  Ernest,  from  the  tree, 
"I  have  thrown  down  to  you  a  beautiful  palm-cabbage,  twenty 
times  more  pleasant  to  eat  than  cocoanuts.  This  tree  is  the 
vegetable  palm." 

"A  cabbage!"  exclaimed  Frank;  "I  thought  cabbages  grew  on 
a  little  stalk  close  to  the  ground.      They  do  in  Switzerland." 

"The  boy  is  right,"  I  exclaimed,  as  I  examined  a  leaf;  "this  is 
truly  the  vegetable  palm,  which  is  considered  very  wholesome  fqr 
food,  both  in  Europe  and  India.  It  grows  on  the  top  Qf  the  tree 
and  is  most  pleasant  eating.  Ernest,  from  his  love  of  reading, 
has  made  a  discovery  quite  unknown  to  his  wise  and  mocking 
brothers." 

[  249  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Meanwhile  the  boy  still  sat  calmly  in  the  tree,  surrounded  by 
leaves  and  branches,  so  that  we  could  not  exactly  see  what  he  was 
about. 

Suddenly  he  began  to  descend  to  the  ground,  and  in  a  few 
moments  presented  himself  before  his  mother  and  myself,  with  a 
small  flask  sticking  out  of  his  pocket.  Drawing  it  forth,  he  poured 
some  of  the  contents  into  the  empty  cocoanut-shell  that  hung  from 
a  button  of  his  jacket,  and  presenting  it  to  me,  said: 

"Here,  papa,  taste  that!  I  hope  you  will  like  it,  for  I  know  it 
is  good,  and  will  not  make  you  tipsy,  although  it  is  palm  wine." 

I  quickly  recalled  what  I  had  read  of  this  tree,  and  taking  the 
shell  from  the  boy's  hand,  I  exclaimed: 

"You  are  right,  Ernest,  the  vegetable  palm  produces  also  a 
pleasant-tasting  and  agreeable  sap,  and  I  drink  to  your  health  and 
the  success  of  your  discovery." 

Hereupon  I  took  a  good  draught  from  the  well-filled  shell,  and 
found  it  so  refreshing,  that  I  immediately  passed  it  to  the  mother, 
for  I  knew  there  would  soon  be  not  a  drop  left,  when  it  got  into 
the  hands  of  the  boys.  There  was  enough,  however,  for  all  to 
have  a  taste,  and  Fritz  and  Jack  readily  acknowledged  that 
Ernest  had  proved  himself,  by  his  application  of  what  he  had 
read  on  natural  history,  as  much  a  hero  as  themselves. 

As  the  day  was  now  far  advanced,  we  resolved  to  remain  for  the 
night  in  this  charming  spot,  and  to  build  a  little  cabin  of  branches 
and  leaves  to  protect  ourselves  from  the  cold  wind  and  the  dew. 

I  had  fortunately  brought  with  me  a  piece  of  sail-cloth,  with 
which  we  could  cover  our  little  hut,  and  protect  it  more  securely 
from  the  night  air. 

While  thus  busily  engaged,  and  near  the  completion  of  our  hut, 
we  were  agitated  and  startled  by  the  extraordinary  behavior  of  the 
ass.  He  was  grazing  peacefully  near  the  spot,  when  he  suddenly 
began  to  spring  and  leap,  raising  his  nose  in  the  air  as  if  he  were 
in  the  midst  of  fire  and  flame,  then  uttering  a  dreadful  he-hawy  he 
started  oflF  at  full  gallop. 

[250] 


ROBINSON 

Unfortunately,  at  this  moment  the  two  dogs  were  absent,  wan- 
dering in  the  grove  of  sugar-canes,  so  that  the  ass  disappeared 
amid  the  bamboo-bushes  before  we  could  send  them  to  bring 
him  back. 

For  a  long  distance  we  followed  in  his  track  with  the  dogs  on 
foot,  but  so  quickly  had  he  disappeared,  that  we  were  obliged  to 
give  up  all  further  search  as  hopeless  till  the  morrow.  This  cir- 
cumstance, however,  alarmed  us  greatly,  as  we  could  only  suppose 
that  the  approach  of  some  wild  beasts  had  roused  the  poor  ani- 
mal's excitement.  I  determined,  therefore,  that  after  gathering 
dry  grass  and  moss  for  our  beds,  large  fires  and  torches  should  be 
lighted  to  surround  our  cabin.  These  torches  were  easily  made  of 
dry  sugar-canes,  about  five  or  six  feet  long,  which  gave  a  brilHant 
fight,  and  would  continue  burning  for  many  hours. 

About  a  dozen  of  these  were  planted  at  a  distance  of  five  or  six 
feet  in  front  and  on  each  side  of  the  entrance  to  our  hut,  and  a 
fire  lighted  within  the  space  for  my  wife  to  prepare  our  supper. 
The  cool  night  air  rendered  this  fire  very  agreeable,  and  we  were 
glad  to  sit  near  it  and  warm  ourselves. 

After  supper,  we  laid  ourselves  down  on  the  soft  beds  of  grass 
and  moss  which  the  boys  had  collected,  with  loaded  guns  close  at 
hand  in  case  of  danger.  My  wife  and  the  boys,  overcome  with 
fatigue,  were  soon  asleep,  and  for  a  time  I  kept  awake  to  replenish 
the  fire  and  keep  the  torches  lighted;  but  as  hour  after  hour 
passed,  and  no  wild  beasts  appeared  to  disturb  us,  I  gradually 
sank  into  a  refreshing  sleep,  and  did  not  wake  till  the  mother  an- 
nounced that  breakfast  was  ready. 

During  this  meal  we  laid  out  our  plans  for  the  day's  work.  I 
had  hoped  that  the  night  fires  and  light  would  have  attracted  the 
donkey  to  return;  but  as  he  did  not  appear,  I  resolved  to  take  one 
of  the  boys  and  the  two  dogs,  and  search  for  the  fugitive  through 
the  bamboo  grove,  and,  at  all  events,  return  to  the  hut  before 
evening. 

This  time  I  chose  Jack  for  my  companion,  to  his  great  delight, 

»»  [  251  ] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

and  as  the  dogs  were  to  go  with  me,  I  left  the  elder  boys  to  pro- 
tect their  mother  and  little  Frank,  and  also  to  employ  themselves 
in  collecting  sugar-canes,  palm  wine,  and  cocoanuts,  that  we  might 
all  return  to  Falcon's  Nest  the  following  day. 

Jack  waited  for  me  in  joyful  readiness,  and  we  set  out  well  pro- 
vided with  arms  and  provisions,  and  at  once  entered  the  grove  of 
bamboo  canes,  in  which  for  a  long  distance,  with  the  help  of  the 
dogs,  we  were  able  to  follow  the  donkey's  track.  Jack  and  1 
reached  after  a  time  the  shores  of  a  large  bay,  into  which  a  pleas- 
ant river  flowed,  the  promontory  to  our  right  forming,  with  some 
little  breaks,  the  boundary  of  the  river,  by  a  narrow  ridge  of  rocks, 
low  enough  for  an  animal  to  leap  over. 

I  thought  it  possible,  as  we  had  lost  all  trace  of  the  ass's  feet, 
that  he  might  have  passed  over  these  rocks,  and  this,  added  to  the 
hope  of  finding  something  new  and  important  beyond  them,  de- 
termined me  to  follow  in  his  supposed  track,  and  as  it  was  low 
water,  discover  his  footsteps  on  the  sand. 

We  climbed  the  rocky  cliffs,  and  found,  on  reaching  the  other 
side,  a  rushing  river  to  the  left,  which  overflowed  its  banks.  The 
bed  of  this  river  was  here  so  deep,  and  the  rush  of  its  waters  so 
rapid,  that  we  had  great  difficulty  in  finding  a  place  which  we 
could  venture  to  wade  through.  We  happily  succeeded  at  last, 
and  reached  the  opposite  shore  in  safety. 

On  reaching  the  sands,  I  noticed  with  pleasure  the  print  of 
hoofs  on  the  moist  ground.  Presently  I  observed  that  these  marks 
became  more  numerous,  and,  to  my  astonishment,  that  some 
were  larger  than  others,  and  of  a  different  shape. 

We  followed  these  hoof-prints  curiously  in  the  direction  they 
indicated. 

The  litde  chain  of  rocks  ended  after  a  time,  and  left  open  be- 
fore us  a  rich  and  fertile  plain,  with  hills  in  the  background. 
Here  and  there  appeared  tiny  forests,  verdant  meadows,  fruitful 
fields — all  presenting  a  smiling  picture  of  repose. 

Quite  in  the  distance,  I  imagined  I  could  discern  a  herd  of  some 

[252] 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O  N 

kind  of  animals;  but  whether  they  were  cows  or  horses,  or  wild 
or  tame,  it  was  impossible  to  decide.  In  the  grass  all  traces  of 
the  hoofs  of  the  ass  were  lost;  but  I  would  not  quite  give  up  hope, 
so  I  resolved  to  approach  these  unknown  animals  as  closely  as 
possible,  without  being  noticed  by  them,  and  find  out  if  the  fugi- 
tive was  in  their  company.  As  they  moved  forward,  grazing  on 
the  borders  of  the  river,  we  followed  them,  hoping  to  be  con- 
cealed by  the  grove  of  canes  through  which  we  passed.  We 
came,  however,  presently,  to  marshy  ground,  and  here  the  canes 
were  remarkably  thick  and  high,  and  the  largest  I  had  ever  be- 
fore seen.  They  appeared  to  be  a  species  of  bamboo  which  is  a 
native  of  America.  The  stems  were  as  thick  as  a  man's  leg,  and 
apparently  from  thirty  to  forty  feet  high.  The  hollow  of  a  single 
joint,  from  one  knot  to  another,  appeared  large  enough  to  hold  as 
much  liquid  as  a  small  cask,  and  the  whole  cane  suitable  for  the 
mast  of  a  small  boat. 

At  last,  after  struggling  through  this  wonderful  cane  grove,  we 
came  suddenly  upon  a  herd  of  buffaloes,  grazing  within  a  distance 
of  about  thirty  or  forty  paces.  Although  their  number  was  small, 
yet  their  appearance  was  so  terrible,  that  I  realized  in  a  moment 
our  dangerous  position,  and  my  alarm  deprived  me  so  completely 
of  my  usual  presence  of  mind,  that  I  forgot  to  load  my  gun. 

Fortunately  the  dogs  were  within  call,  and  the  buffaloes  seemed 
so  unaccustomed  to  the  sight  of  human  beings,  that  they  merely 
stood  still  and  stared  at  us  wonderingly,  and  appeared  not  in  the 
least  inclined  to  attack  us  or  defend  themselves.  i 

This  circumstance  no  doubt  saved  our  lives,  for  we  had  time 
to  load  our  guns,  and  to  draw  back  a  little,  as  I  had  no  wish  for 
an  affray  with  such  formidable  beasts.  We  were  about  to  retire 
cautiously  and  prudently,  when  the  dogs  unfortunately  reached 
the  spot,  and  were  seen  by  the  buffaloes. 

In  an  instant  the  frightful  animals  began  to  bellow,  paw  the 
ground  with  their  feet,  and  lower  their  horned  heads  as  if  in  prep^ 
aration  for  an  attack,    I  saw  in  a  moment,  with  a  shudder,  that 

[253] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

they  were  about  to  throw  themselves  upon  the  dogs,  who  were  so 
fearless  of  danger,  that  we  in  vain  endeavored  v^ith  all  our  pov/er 
to  hold  them  back.  All  to  no  purpose,  for  they  threw  themselves 
boldly  upon  a  young  buffalo  that  was  about  half  a  dozen  paces 
in  advance  of  the  others,  and  seizing  it  by  the  ears,  dragged  it 
toward  us. 

A  combat  became  now  absolutely  necessary,  for  we  could  not 
allow  our  brave  defenders  to  be  overpowered;  and  with  beating 
hearts  Jack  and  I  raised  our  guns  and  fired. 

The  noise,  the  flash,  and  the  smoke  were  like  a  thunder-clap 
to  the  terrified  beasts,  and  to  our  great  joy  they  turned  and  fled 
with  wonderful  rapidity  and  disappeared.  One  only  remained, 
a  female,  and  evidently  the  mother  of  the  young  buflalo  which 
our  dogs  had  seized. 

She  had  been  wounded  by  the  shot  from  my  gun,  and  the  pain 
made  her  so  furious  that  she  lost  all  fear,  and,  in  her  eagerness  to 
save  her  calf,  threw  herself  upon  the  dogs,  whose  fate  would  have 
been  sealed  had  I  not  quickly  raised  my  gun,  and  with  a  second 
shot  brought  her  to  the  ground.  I  was  then  able  to  approach 
more  closely,  and  with  my  pistol  put  an  end  to  her  life. 

After  this  I  felt  able  to  breathe  again,  for  we  had  been  indeed 
near  death,  and  eagerly  I  praised  Jack  for  his  presence  of  mind, 
and  for  being  so  ready  with  his  gun.  Yet  we  had  still  work  be- 
fore us,  for  the  young  buffalo  struggled  violently,  and  fought 
with  his  feet  so  fiercely,  that  I  feared  he  would  injure  the  dogs — 
and  yet  I  knew  not  how  to  help  them. 

Jack,  however,  was  ready  with  his  sling;  he  drew  it  from  his 
pocket,  and  swung  it  so  skilfully  round  the  animal's  hind  legs, 
that  he  fell  to  the  ground,  and  we  were  then  able  to  approach 
nearer,  and  tie  them  together  firmly  enough  to  prevent  him  from 
moving,  and  also  to  release  his  ears  from  the  hold  of  the  dogs. 

There  was  now  but  one  way  in  which  we  could  hope  to  lead  our 
captive  home — for  I  hoped  to  tame  him  after  a  time,  as  he  was 
evidently  very  young.     I  felt  unwilling  to  give  him  pain,  indeed, 


ROBINSON 


WITH   MY   PISTOL   PUT 
AN   END   TO   HER   LIFE 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O  N 

the  act  seemed  cruel,  and  I  regretted  being  obliged  to  do  it,  al- 
though it  is  still  practised  in  Italy  and  other  countries  where  oxen 
are  used  as  beasts  of  burden. 

I  made  the  dogs  hold  down  his  head,  while  with  a  sharp  pen- 
knife I  pierced  a  hole  through  the  nostril,  and  passed  a  string 
through  it  to  form  a  leading-rein.  It  bled  a  litde,  which  took 
away  slightly  the  animal's  strength;  and  at  last  I  drove  away  the 
dogs,  untied  his  legs,  and  set  him  at  liberty,  still  holding  the 
leading-rein.  He  attempted  at  first  to  escape,  but  the  pain  caused 
by  the  string  in  his  nostril  checked  him,  and  at  length  he  allowed 
himself  to  be  led,  and  even  followed  me  in  the  most  docile  manner. 

Before  we  left,  I  was  anxious  to  make  some  use  of  the  dead 
buffalo,  and  to  carry  away  portions  of  the  flesh,  not  forgetting  to 
cut  out  the  tongue,  which,  when  salted,  is  considered  a  great 
delicacy. 

Some  portions  we  laid  in  the  sun  to  dry,  while  we  rested  beneath 
the  shade  of  the  bamboo  grove  and  took  a  slight  refreshment.  I 
then  gathered  up  as  much  as  we  could  carry  of  the  buffalo,  and 
left  the  rest  for  the  dogs,  who  fell  upon  it  with  eager  appetite. 

But  their  feast  was  soon  interrupted  by  a  flock  of  vultures  and 
other  birds,  who  approached  from  all  points,  and  struggled  with 
our  dogs  for  the  prey;  but  as  neither  one  side  nor  the  other  would 
give  way,  they  all  commenced  eating  together  with  extraordinary 
voracity.  I  recognized  among  the  birds  the  royal  vulture  and  the 
condor,  so  called  on  account  of  the  strange  outgrowth  on  the 
upper  part  of  his  beak.  Altogether  it  was  a  strange  sight  to  see 
them  fighting  for  the  prey,  and  caused  us  great  amusement.  Jack, 
however,  was  longing  to  send  a  few  shots  among  them;  but  I  re- 
strained him,  for  I  knew  that  birds  who  fed  on  carrion  were  not 
good  for  food. 

I  now  became  anxious  to  reach  home  safely  with  the  supply  of 
flesh  for  our  dinner;  our  dogs  having  feasted,  left  the  birds  to 
their  greedy  work.  I  therefore  cut  a  few  of  the  smallest  canes  to 
form  moulds  for  the  wax  candles,  and  set  out  to   return  home. 

[257] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

The  poor  buffalo,  to  avoid  the  movement  of  the  cord  in  his  nostrils, 
which  gave  him  pain,  followed  us  so  tamely,  that  we  were  able  at 
last  to  lay  our  booty  on  his  back,  and  after  a  little  trouble  induce 
him  to  carry  it  without  opposition. 

It  was  too  late  now  to  search  farther  for  the  ass,  so  we  proceeded 
straight  toward  the  palm  grove,  where  the  mother  and  the  three 
boys  were  no  doubt  expecting  us,  and  wondering  at  our  long 
absence. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XX 


THE    BABY  JACKAL 

UT  before  we  reached  the  palm  grove,  we  met  with 

another    adventure,  which    must    be    related.      Not 

long  after  leaving  the  bamboo  grove,  we  again  passed 

between  the  river  and  the  ridge  of  rocks,  and  came 

upon  a  narrow  defile. 

All  at  once  a  jackal  started  out  of  its  hole  in  front  of  us,  but, 

on  perceiving  our  approach,  turned  to  fly.      Our  dogs,  however, 

pursued  it  with  such  vigor,  that  it  could  only  regain  its  hole  after 

a  regular  fight  with  them. 

The  courage  of  the  animal  convinced  me  that  it  was  a  mother 
defending  her  young.  Jack  was  determined  to  find  the  hidden 
nest;  but  fearing  that  he  would  be  attacked  by  the  male,  I  re- 
strained the  ardor  of  the  little  man,  and  fired  my  pistol  in  the 
direction  taken  by  the  jackal.  Nothing  appeared,  however,  and  I 
then  allowed  Jack,  whom  the  dogs  followed  with  great  curiosity, 
to  creep  into  the  dark  corner,  where  reigned  profound  obscurity. 
In  a  few  minutes  he  came  upon  a  nest  full  of  young  jackals, 
apparently  not  more  than  ten  or  twelve  days  old,  for  their  eyes 
were  scarcely  open.  They  were  not  larger  than  a  kitten,  and 
had  such  beautiful  golden  brown  fur,  that  Jack  took  one  in  his 
arms,  and  brought  it  to  me,  asking  if  he  might  not  carry  it  home 
and  tame  it,  and  perhaps,  as  he  said,  bring  it  up  to  follow  him 
like  a  dog,  and  be  useful  in  the  chase.  I  readily  agreed  to  this 
request,  although  I  doubted  his  power  of  taming  a  creature  so 
savage  by  nature. 

During  this  affair  with  the  jackals,  I  had  tied  the  young  buffalo 

[259] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

to  a  tree,  and  on  examining  this  tree  attentively,  I  found  that  it 
was  a  dwarf  vegetable  palm,  with  sharp,  pointed  leaves,  which 
I  considered,  if  planted  at  Zeltheim,  would  form  an  excellent 
hedge  for  our  fortifications;  so  I  determined  to  secure  a  few  young 
shoots  for  that  purpose. 

Leaving  the  river,  we  found  our  way  back  to  the  road,  but 
night  was  approaching  before  we  reached  the  palm  grove,  and 
we  were  received  with  shouts  of  joy  by  those  who  had  been  left 
behind  in  the  morning. 

Question  after  question  had  to  be  answered,  when  they  saw  our 
buffalo  and  the  baby  jackal,  as  well  as  the  store  of  provisions  we 
had  brought.  Jack  described  our  adventures  in  a  most  spirited 
manner,  and  was  listened  to  with  such  eager  curiosity,  that  I  had 
scarcely  time  before  supper  to  ask  what  they  had  all  been  doing 
in  our  absence. 

They  informed  me,  at  last,  that  they  had  visited  the  promontory 
of  False  Hope,  gathered  wood  for  the  night,  made  new  torches, 
and  positively  cut  down  a  large  palm,  which  they  believed  to  be 
the  sago-palm. 

During  their  absence,  however,  the  hut  had  been  invaded  by 
a  troop  of  monkeys,  Vvhich  had  drunk  up  all  the  palm  wine 
from  the  calabash  bowls,  scattered  the  potatoes,  stolen  the 
cocoanuts,  and  so  damaged  the  hut,  that  my  young  people  on 
their  return  from  the  hill  were  more  than  an  hour  employed  in 
repairing  it. 

Fritz,  however,  with  much  pride,  brought  me  his  chief  booty 
perched  on  his  hand,  a  beautiful  young  bird  of  prey  only  half 
fledged,  which  he  had  taken  from  a  nest  on  the  rocks  at  False 
Hope  Point,  during  the  absence  of  the  parent  birds.  Although 
not  fully  fledged,  I  could  see  by  the  feathers  that  it  was  not  the 
European  ead^^ut  evidently  belonged  to  a^  species  of  that  royal 
bird  fouftoon  the  coast  of  Malabar.  As  these  birds  are  easily 
tamed,  Fritz  told  me  he  hoped  to  train  him  as  a  hawk,  to  bring 
down  birds  in  the  chase;   he,  however,  had  been  obliged  to  band- 

[260] 


ROBINSON 

age  the  bird's  eyes  with  a  handkerchief,  and  tie  him  by  a  string 
to  a  post,  because  he  appeared  so  wild  and  shy. 

When  all  our  recitals  came  to  an  end,  it  was  time  to  light  the 
fire,  and  as  the  green  wood  laid  upon  it  caused  a  great  smoke,  I 
placed  in  it  the  pieces  of  the  buffalo  stuck  upon  a  fork,  that  they 
might  be  smoke-dried  to  preserve  them. 

As  night  approached,  we  attended  to  all  the  necessary  prepara- 
tions, and  made  up  the  fire,  that  our  pieces  of  salted  flesh  might 
still  continue  in  the  smoke.  The  young  buffalo  was  fed  with 
potatoes  softened  in  milk,  and,  to  our  great  satisfaction,  the  cow 
received  him  in  a  most  friendly  manner,  when  we  tied  him  up 
near  her.  Jack  gave  his  little  jackal  some  bread  and  milk,  and 
the  dogs  having  taken  their  posts  as  watchers,  we  lighted  the 
torches,  intending  to  wake  at  the  proper  time  and  relight  them 
if  they  went  out.  But  on  laying  ourselves  down  to  rest,  we  were 
in  a  short  time  too  soundly  asleep  to  be  disturbed  till  sunrise  by 
any  such  arrangement. 

After  a  light  breakfast,  I  was  about  to  give  the  signal  for  start- 
ing, when  I  observed  that  my  young  people  had  some  project  in 
their  heads,  which  rendered  them  unwilling  to  leave  so  early. 

"What  is  this  secret.?"  I  asked  of  my  wife. 

"Well,"  she  replied,  "the  boys  are  anxious  to  remove  the  pith 
from  the  fallen  sago-palm  before  it  is  spoiled;  and  Fritz  fancies 
we  could  make  of  the  trunk  two  pipes  or  channels,  to  conduct 
the  water  from  the  Jackal  Bay  to  Zeltheim.  This  would  enable 
us  to  water  our  plants  in  the  dry  weather,  and  be  a  great  advan- 
tage to  us." 

This  suggestion  pleased  me  greatly.  Ernest  went  out  at 
once  to  search  for  water,  while  we  made  ready  for  our  grand 
performance. 

We  succeeded  in  placing  the  trunk  of  the  palm  upon  two  large 
boughs  in  a  raised  position,  that  we  might  more  easily  cut  it. 
The  whole  crown  had  been  already  sawn  off,  and  the  wood  not 
being  hard,  we  soon  reached  the  pith  by  dividing  the  stem  length- 

[261] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

ways.  The  pith  or  sap  was  then  carefully  removed  from  each 
division,  excepting  a  corner  in  the  lower  one,  which  I  divided  off 
to  form  a  kind  of  trough,  and  into  this  I  placed  the  whole  of  the 
pith,  to  he  made  into  dough. 

The  boys  set  up  a  great  shout  of  joy,  when  I  told  them  that  we 
all,  excepting  the  mother,  must  at  once  set  to  work  and  knead 
the  sago  sap  as  dough  is  kneaded  for  making  bread. 

Immediately  our  shirt-sleeves  were  turned  up,  and  after  I  had 
thrown  water  which  Ernest  had  brought  into  the  trough,  we  all 
commenced  kneading  like  bakers'  men,  till  we  had  produced  paste 
of  a  proper  consistency. 

This  I  pressed  through  the  tobacco  raspers  upon  a  piece  of 
cloth,  which  my  wife  had  brought  and  laid  on  the  ground;  and 
as  the  round  grains  fell  through  the  holes  of  the  graters,  she 
spread  them  out,  that  they  might  dry  in  the  sun. 

We  had  now  not  only  a  good  store  of  wholesome  material  for 
making  nice  puddings,  but  also  a  sufficient  quantity  remaining  to 
be  kneaded  into  dough  when  we  had  any  spare  time.  The  next 
performance  required  immediate  attention;  we  had  to  convey  the 
two  halves  of  the  trunk  of  the  sago-tree  to  Tent-home,^  and  place 
them  as  channels  or  pipes,  by  which  to  bring  water  from  the 
Jackal  River  to  our  tent. 

This  work  required  patience  as  well  as  activity,  but  with  all  our 
efforts  we  could  not  get  the  task  completed  till  after  sunset.  It 
was  necessary,  therefore,  to  remain  for  another  night  in  our 
wooden  cabin,  and  when  we  at  last  gladly  retired  to  rest,  I  deter- 
mined to  return  to  Falcon's  Nest  on  the  following  morning. 

We  rose  early,  and  made  an  excellent  breakfast  from  the  sago 
grains  which  we  had  brought  into  the  hut,  and  without  loss  of 
time  made  every  preparation  for  carrying  our  newly-acquired 
possessions  to  Falconhurst.^ 

'  Zeltheim,  in  English,    Tent-home. 

^  Falconhiirst,  in  English,  Falcon's  Nest.  The  translator  uses  sometimes  the 
German  words  and  sometimes  the  English. 

[262] 


ROBINSON 


ROBINSON 

I  was  glad  to  find  the  wound  in  the  nostrils  of  the  bulFalo  nearly 
healed,  for  I  hoped  to  harness  him  to  our  litde  carriage,  in  the 
place  of  the  ass,  with  the  cow.  He  submitted  without  resistance, 
and  when  I  went  before  and  led  him  by  the  string  through  his 
nose,  I  was  thankful  to  see  that  the  poor  animal  was  already 
brought  into  subjection,  and  performed  his  task  willingly.  In 
our  way  we  passed  the  places  where  we  had  left  the  sack  of  wax 
berries  and  the  calabash  cups  containing  the  gum  from  the  india- 
rubber  tree:  these  had  to  be  stowed  away  in  the  cart,  and  de- 
tained us  so  long,  that  I  sent  Fritz  and  Jack  on  before  with  one  of 
the  dogs.  They  went  quickly  forward,  and  were  seen  to  enter 
a  grove  of  guava-trees  at  a  little  distance  in  advance  of  us. 

Suddenly  a  most  terrible  noise  reached  our  ears,  causing  great 
alarm,  for  having  lost  sight  of  Jack  and  Fritz,  we  believed  nothing 
less  than  that  a  tiger  or  a  panther  was  attacking  them.  I  there- 
fore with  great  caution  made  ready  my  weapons,  and  flew  to  the 
assistance  of  my  children,  fully  prepared  to  join  in  the  bloody 
combat  which  I  supposed  was  going  on  in  the  thicket. 

On  arriving  at  the  spot,  what  was  my  surprise  to  see  Jack  lying 
at  full  length  on  the  ground  between  the  shrubs.  On  seeing  me 
he  exclaimed: 

"Oh,  papa,  how  absurd!  It  is  our  old  sow  again;  she  must  do 
it  on  purpose  to  make  fools  of  us.  We  wondered  what  the  dog 
was  barking  at,  and  now  look  here!" 

Half  inclined  to  be  angry,  and  half  amused,  I  heard  the  familiar 
grunting,  and  stepped  among  the  bushes.  There,  sure  enough, 
lay  our  sow,  looking  very  happy,  with  six  or  seven  little  pigs  seem- 
ingly a  few  days  old. 

This  was  a  very  agreeable  sight,  especially  after  my  alarm,  and 
the  sow  herself  seemed  to  understand  that  I  was  pleased,  for  she 
saluted  me  with  a  friendly  grunt,  and  appeared  not  only  to  recog- 
nize us,  but  as  if  willing  in  her  joy  to  follow  us  with  her  young 
brood. 

As,  however,  the  litde  ones  were  so  young,   I   decided  that  we 

[265] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

would  leave  them  with  the  mother,  and  at  a  future  time  fetch  two 
of  them  to  be  brought  up  at  Falcon's  Nest.  The  old  sow  and  the 
rest  must  be  left  to  their  fate;  to  take  them  now  would  be  im- 
possible, because  of  the  injury  they  would  certainly  do  to  our 
young  plantations. 

We  left  with  her  some  potatoes,  acorns,  and  biscuits,  and  con- 
tinuing our  homeward  journey  w^ithout  further  interruption, 
reached  Falconhurst  in  safety. 

Our  first  care  w^as  to  arrange  for  the  newly  arrived  guests. 
The  young  buffalo  and  the  little  jackal  we  were  still  obliged  to 
tie  up,  and  even  the  stately  eagle  was  condemned  to  the  same 
hard  fate.  Fritz  gave  him  a  place  on  a  fig-tree  root  not  far  from 
the  parrot,  who  was  still  tied  by  the  leg;  but,  rather  thoughtlessly, 
Fritz  had  given  the  eagle  a  long  string,  which  enabled  him  to 
move  to  a  great  distance,  and  then  unfortunately  uncovered  his 
eyes. 

In  a  moment  the  bird  became  wild  and  furious;  his  aspect 
changed  so  terribly,  that  our  domestic  animals  fled  from  his  pres- 
ence; but  the  poor  parrot,  who  stood  near  and  could  not  escape, 
was  devoured  before  we  could  prevent  it. 

Fritz  in  his  anger  would  have  killed  the  bird  at  once,  had  not 
Ernest  prayed  for  his  life  to  be  spared. 

"Give  me  your  eagle,"  he  exclaimed;  "I  will  bring  him  up  to 
be  as  tractable  and  tame  as  a  little  dog." 

Fritz,  however,  would  not  give  up  his  eagle,  but  he  promised 
to  make  Ernest  a  present  of  Master  Nip,  the  monkey,  if  he  would 
tell  him  how  to  tame  the  eagle. 

"I  accept  the  offer,"  replied  Ernest;  "but  I  am  not  quite  sure 
that  it  will  succeed  with  an  eagle  as  it  does  with  parrots  in  America. 
However,  you  can  try.  Light  a  pipe,  and  blow  some  of  the 
tobacco-smoke  up  his  nose  till  he  is  giddy  and  intoxicated:  his 
wild  and  savage  nature  will  be  calmed  from  that  moment." 

Fritz  laughed  incredulously,  but  Ernest  persuaded  him  that  at 
least  it  was  worth  a  trial,  so  at  last  a  pipe  and  tobacco  were  fetched 

[  266] 


R  OB  I  N  S  O   N 

from  the  officer's  chest,  and  Fritz  placed  himself  in  front  of  the 
bird,  and  smoked  such  puffs  under  his  nostrils,  that  he  became 
completely  stupefied  and  stood  immovable  on  his  perch. 

From  that  day  the  fierceness  of  the  eagle  vanished,  and  he 
grew  by  degrees 
so  tame,  that  even 
the  domestic  ani- 
mals lost  all  fear 
of  him. 

Quite  ashamed 
of  his  doubts, 
Fritz  gave  the 
mon  key  to  his 
brother,  and  I 
believe  he  began 
to  respect  the  boy 
who  knew  so  well 
how  to  put  in 
practice  what  he 
had  read. 

The  next  morning  I  rose  early,  with  the  intention  of  carrying 
out  the  project  so  long  decided  upon,  namely,  to  plant  bamboo 
canes  as  a  support  to  the  young  trees  on  the  road  from  Falcon's 
Nest  to  Zeltheim. 

I  and  the  three  boys  started  with  our  little  carriage  well  loaded 
with  bamboo  canes,  and  a  handspike,  to  make  a  hole  in  the  earth. 
We  left  the  mother  and  little  Frank  at  home,  to  prepare  us  a  good 
dinner,  and  to  have  the  wax  berries  melted  in  readiness  for  the 
manufacture  of  more  candles. 

This  time  I  left  the  young  buffalo  behind,  for  I  wished  the 
wound  in  his  nostrils  to  be  quite  healed  before  I  made  him  work 
again.  Besides,  the  cow  was  strong  enough  to  draw  the  cart  with 
all  we  required  to-day.  So  before  we  started,  I  gave  the  buffalo 
a  handful  of  salt,  to  win  his  confidence,  which  so   pleased  him, 

[267] 


rm  SWISS  FAMILY 

that  the  poor  animal  became  quite  tame,  and    seemed  ready  to 
follow  us  like  a  dog. 

Our  work  began,  almost  as  soon  as  we  left  Falcon's  Nest,  at  the 
entrance  to  the  road  to  Zeltheim,  with  the  walnut,  chestnut,  and 
cherry-trees.  These  had  been  planted  in  rows,  and  were  already 
much  bent  and  curved  by  the  wind. 

I,  being  the  strongest,  dug  holes  in  the  ground  with  the  hand- 
spike, and  in  these  holes  the  boys  placed  a  bamboo  cane  by  each 
tree,  and  tied  it,  as  a  prop  to  the  delicate  stem,  with  a  sort  of 
fibrous  leaf,  which  I  took  for  bast.  While  thus  engaged,  the 
conversation  naturally  turned  to  the  best  manner  of  raising  trees, 
and  the  boys  overwhelmed  me  with  questions,  to  which  I  could 
not  always  give  correct  answers. 

"Are  the  trees  that  you  have  planted  here  wild  or  tame,  papa  .?" 
asked  Fritz. 

"Ha!  ha!  ha!"  laughed  Jack.  "Just  as  if  people  could  tame 
trees  as  they  can  buffalo  calves  and  bustards!" 

"You  are  very  clever.  Master  Jack,"  replied  Fritz;  "but  all 
wild  creatures  should  be  tamed,  and  mocking-birds  like  you  re- 
quire a  ring  through  the  nose,  like  the  buffalo!" 

"Now  that  is  too  bad!"  said  Ernest. 

"Be  it  known  to  you,  most  learned  people,"  I  exclaimed,  "that 
Fritz  asked  me  a  correct  question,  but  he  did  not  use  the  right 
terms;  he  should  have  said  'wild  and  cultivated  plants,'  not  'wild 
and  tame.'  Wild  plants  are  such  as  grow  without  care  or  atten- 
tion from  man,  and  are  indigenous  to  the  soil.  Those  which  are 
not  indigenous  require  training  and  care,  and  sometimes  will  not 
grow  at  all  in  other  countries  than  their  own,  excepting  in  con- 
servatories or  hothouses.  Few  living  creatures  exist  that  cannot 
be  tamed  in  some  way;  and  among  human  beings,  even  those  we 
call  wild  or  savage  are  clever  by  nature,  and  possess  minds  which 
can  be  improved  by  instruction,  as  plants  are  by  cultivation  or 
grafting." 

"What  is  grafting,  papa  .?"  asked  Fritz. 

[268] 


ROBINSON 

"Grafting,"  I  replied,  "is  performed  by  inserting  a  litde  twig 
of  a  superior  sort  on  the  stem  of  a  tree  that  grows  wild.  Grafting 
takes  place  in  those  knots  or  boles  which  lie  between  the  bark 
and  the  wood.  They  are  often  called  eyes,  and  can  be  seen 
plainly  in  timber.  In  all  cases  of  grafting  this  knot  is  used,  and 
the  new  twig  attached  to  it.  They  then  grow  together,  and  better 
fruit  is  produced." 

"That  is  very  wonderful,"  remarked  Ernest.  "But  where  do 
people  get  the  branches  of  good  trees  to  graft  on  the  wild  ones  .?" 

"Those  we  call  in  our  home  superior  trees  grow  wild  in  some 
climates,"  I  replied,  "because  the  earth  and  the  air  are  purer  and 
richer.  Many  of  the  most  valuable  fruit-trees  of  Northern  Europe 
grow  without  cultivation  in  the  south  of  Europe  and  Asia,  and 
others  in  more  distant  parts  of  the  world.  For  instance,  crab- 
apples  grew  wild  in  England  in  the  time  of  the  Romans,  and  in 
that  country  no  other  fruit  was  known  then  but  common  nuts, 
crab-apples,  and  blackberries.  By  grafting  from  foreign  trees  on 
the  crab,  and  also  on  the  common  nut  and  blackberry,  most  of  the 
beautiful  apples,  filberts,  strawberries,  and  raspberries  have  been 
produced.  It  is  the  same  in  our  country.  Some  fruit-trees  grow 
naturally;  others  are  either  produced  by  grafting,  or  are  brought 
from  abroad  and  planted  in  suitable  ground.  Again,  in  cold  lands 
the  trees  that  grow  in  tropical  heat  could  not  be  raised.  Yet 
several  plants,  trees,  and  flowers  which  Father  Noah  no  doubt 
cultivated  were  natives  of  Egypt,  Greece,  and  other  parts  of 
Southern  Europe.  We  know  that  grapes  grew  in  these  countries, 
because  of  the  fabulous  god  Bacchus,  who  was  called  the  God 
of  Wine.  Italy,  no  doubt,  received  these  fruits  from  Greece; 
and  they  were  brought  in  later  years  by  the  Romans  into  Gaul, 
Spain,  and  Germany,  and  through  these  countries  into  our  own 
Switzerland   and   England." 

"Can  you  tell  us,  papa,"  asked  Ernest,  "where  all  the  different 
fruit-trees  came  from  .?" 

"I    think   I  can  give  you  the  names  of   a   few  trees.      Wal- 

[269] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

nuts  came  originally  from  Persia,  and  hazel-nuts  from  Pontus 
in  Asia." 

"But  cherries,  papa,"  interrupted  Jack.  "I  have  seen  plenty 
of  them  growing  at  home  in  Switzerland.  I  hope  they  may  be 
natives  of  Europe,  and  perhaps  of  our  own  country." 

"No,  my  boy,"  I  replied.  "Those  you  have  seen  growing  at 
home  have  been  brought  from  other  lands.  They  are  named 
cherries  after  Cerasus,  a  state  of  Pontus  in  Asia,  from  which  place 
they  were  first  imported;  and,  if  I  remember  rightly,  they  were 
brought  into  Europe  by  the  Roman  General  Lucullus  after  the 
siege  of  Pontus,  seventy  years  before  Christ." 

While  thus  conversing,  we  still  made  great  progress,  and  reached 
the  end  of  our  fruit-tree  avenue  very  quickly.  After  crossing  the 
bridge  over  the  Jackal  River,  we  entered  the  plantation  of  our 
southern  fruit-trees,  which  I  also  wished  to  strengthen  by  placing 
bamboo  canes  as  a  support. 

Here  had  been  planted  lemons,  pomegranates,  pistacio-nuts, 
mulberries,  pines,  and  other  tempting  fruit-trees,  the  sight  of  which 
made  us  long  for  the  time  when  they  would  bear  fruit. 

"What  a  beautiful  land  that  must  be,"  remarked  Fritz,  "where 
such  delicious  fruit  is  so  plentiful  and  cheap." 

"The  fruit  of  every  land  is  beautiful,"  I  replied,  "only  where 
there  is  plenty  of  it,  we  are  apt  to  call  it  common;  but  to  the  in- 
habitants of  other  lands  this  is  not  the  case.  Besides,  the  climate 
and  temperature  differ  greatly  in  various  parts  of  the  world,  and 
trees  and  plants  require  certain  kinds  of  soil  to  make  them  grow. 
The  fruit-trees  w^e  have  planted  here  will  no  doubt  flourish,  for 
this  island  is  evidently  within  the  tropics,  and  these  trees  are 
nearly  all  natives  of  Southern  Europe  or  tropical  climates.  Pines 
grow  in  France,  Spain,  and  Italy;  olives  in  Armenia,  Palestine, 
and  other  countries  bordering  the  Mediterranean.  Figs  are  pro- 
duced in  many  southern  countries,  but  they  came  originally  from 
the  island  of  Chios,  in  the  Grecian  Archipelago;  peaches  and 
apricots  from  Persia;   plums  from  Damascus,  in   Syria;   pears  of 

[270] 


ROBINSON 

different  kinds  from  Greece.  All  these  trees  have  been  brought 
to  great  perfection  in  our  own  country,  as  well  as  in  others  which 
lie  farther  north." 

"But,  papa,"  exclaimed  Jack,  "what  about  apples?  They 
seem  to  be  natives  of  Germany  and  Switzerland.  I've  eaten  lots 
of  sweet  apples  at  home." 

"I  can  well  believe  that,"  I  replied,  laughing;  "but  they  also 
came  originally  from  foreign  lands,  and  apple-trees  are  found  even 
in  the  cold  climates  of  Northern  Europe  and  Asia.  No  fruit  is 
more  likely  to  be  improved  by  cultivation  than  the  apple;  and  in 
countries  where  they  obtain  proper  soil,  pure  air,  and  sunlight, 
they  are  brought  to  great  perfection.  Grapes  also,  of  every  kind, 
grow  in  the  open  air  in  the  south  of  Europe  and  Asia,  and  are, 
perhaps,  of  the  finest  and  richest  quality  in  Spain  and  Portugal,  as 
from  these  countries  we  obtain  our  best  wines.  Mulberries  grow 
in  Asia  and  the  islands  of  Greece.  Silkworms,  who  spin  that 
beautiful  web  of  silk  from  which  silk  dresses,  ribbons,  satin,  vel- 
vet, and  other  expensive  articles  are  made,  feed  upon  the  leaves 
of  the  mulberry-tree,  and  these  leaves  appear,  indeed,  to  be  their 
natural  food." 

While  thus  conversing,  we  were  not  idle,  yet  our  work  was  not 
finished  till  nearly  noon,  and  we  returned  to  Falcon's  Nest  as 
hungry  as  wolves,  just  as  the  mother  had  prepared  for  us  a  most 
excellent  dinner,  consisting  chiefly  of  the  cabbage-palm. 

We  dined  with  good  appetites,  and  while  resting  afterwards  in 
great  comfort,  I  took  the  opportunity  of  speaking  on  a  subject 
which  had  occupied  my  mind  and  the  mother's  for  some  consid- 
erable time. 

We  had  often  found  it  difficult,  and  even  dangerous,  to  mount 
to  our  sleeping-chamber,  and  to  descend  by  means  of  the  rope 
ladder.  An  accident  I  knew  might  easily  happen,  for  the  boys 
often  mounted  recklessly,  and  for  ourselves,  a  single  false  step 
might  cause  us  to  fall. 

After  thinking  and  talking  over  the  matter  for  some  time,  I  con- 

[271] 


TfiE  SWISS  FAMILY 

jectured  that  a  wooden  staircase  might  be  contrived,  even  in  the 
interior  of  the  large  trunk  of  our  tree. 

"  Did  you  not  tell  me,  wife,"  I  said,  "  that  in  the  trunk  of  this 
tree  you  had  discovered  a  hole  through  which  bees  were  passing 
in  and  out,  to  and  from  a  nest  inside  ?" 

"  Yes,"  she  replied,  "  and  it  is  evidently  hollow  beyond  the  point 
at  which  I  have  seen  the  bees  enter.  If  it  is  hollow  to  the 
foot  of  the  tree,  it  will  help  you  greatly  to  carry  out  your  project." 

This  idea  of  a  staircase  so  excited  the  boys,  that  they  sprang 
and  danced  round  the  tree,  and  climbed  like  squirrels  as  high 
as  they  could  reach  to  examine  the  hole,  and  to  discover  by  the 
sound  how  far  down  the  cavity  extended,  by  knocking  against  the 
trunk  with  axe  and  hammer.  But  this  daring  performance  cost 
them  dear;  the  noise  so  disturbed  the  bees,  that  a  swarm  of  them 
rushed  out,  and  furiously  attacked  the  children  with  their  stings. 
They  rested  in  their  hair,  on  their  clothes,  and  even  pursued  them 
as  they  fled  screaming  in  terror  and  pain;  and  no  one  knows 
where  they  would  have  run  to,  had  I  not  stopped  them,  while 
their  mother  laid  cool,  moist  earth  on  the  wounds,  and  soothed 
the  pain. 

Jack,  who  with  his  usual  daring  had  been  the  first  to  reach  the 
hole,  was  terribly  stung,  and  his  swelled  and  inflamed  face  was  a 
piteous  sight. 

Ernest,  on  the  contrary,  always  slow  in  his  movements,  had 
only  received  one  wound,  for  he  had  been  the  last  to  mount,  and 
the  first  to  descend  in  haste  when  the  conflict  commenced. 

Nearly  an  hour  passed  before  the  pain  was  sufficiently  appeased 
to  enable  them  to  join  me  in  a  more  careful  examination  of  the 
tree;  yet  they  were  so  full  of  resentment  against  the  heroic  bees, 
that  they  were  quite  prepared  to  assist  in  an  attack  upon  their 
enemies,  and  I  knew  something  must  be  done  quickly,  to  prevent 
my  young  people  from  disturbing  me  in  the  night  with  their 
groans  and  complaints. 

While  the  still  resdess  and  angry  bees  were  buzzing  round  the 

[272] 


ROBINSON 

tree,  I  prepared  certain  materials  with  which  I  hoped  to  cahii 
them  without  destroying  them.  I  collected  together  tobacco, 
clay,  a  pipe,  a  knife,  a  hammer,  and  all  I  thought  necessary.  My 
first  anxiety,  however,  was  to  make  for  the  bees  a  new  beehive, 
and  after  finding  a  large  calabash  gourd,  I  flattened  the  lower 
half,  that  my  beautiful  little  bee  castle,  when  finished,  might  stand 
firmly  on  a  piece  of  board  which  I  intended  to  nail  to  a  branch 
of  the  tree.  I  then  cut  a  small  arched  opening  in  front,  for 
a  doorway,  and  having  also  made  a  straw  roof  to  place  over  it, 
as  a  protection  against  sunshine  and  rain,  my  beehive  was 
complete. 

This  work  occupied  more  time  than  I  had  anticipated;  I  was, 
therefore,  obliged  to  put  off  the  assault  on  the  bees  till  the  next 
morning. 

The  impatience  of  the  young  people  roused  us  all  at  an  early 
hour,  and  I  commenced  my  undertaking  by  stopping  up  the  hole 
in  the  tree,  through  which  the  bees  passed  in  and  out,  with  moist 
clay,  only  leaving  room  for  me  to  introduce  my  piece  of  hollow 
cane,  which  was  to  serve  as  a  tobacco-pipe.  I  then  covered  my 
head  with  a  piece  of  linen,  and  as  the  humming  and  buzzing  around 
me  went  on  like  a  storm  and  a  whirlwind,  I  commenced  smoking 
the  tobacco. 

Gradually  the  noise  ceased,  and  after  a  while,  when  all  was  still, 
Fritz  climbed  to  my  side  with  chisel  and  axe,  and  we  began  care- 
fully and  hastily  to  cut  away  a  portion  of  the  tree  about  three  feet 
square,  excepting  at  one  corner,  by  which  I  allowed  it  to  adhere, 
while  I  again  smoked  both  inside  and  outside  the  tree,  till  the 
whole  of  the  bees  fell  stupefied  to  the  earth.  The  piece  of  the 
tree  which  had  been  cut  away  was  then  removed,  and  when 
through  the  opening  the  light  entered,  I  discovered  that  the 
trunk  was  hollow  from  the  ground  to  the  floor  of  our  sleeping- 
chamber  on  the  branches. 

We  were  filled  with  astonishment  as  the  light  revealed  the 
beautiful  work  of  the  bees  just  within  the  tree,  and  overjoyed  at 

[  ^n  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

finding  such  a  large  store  of  wax  and  honey  near  the  opening,  for 
which,  however,  we  could  scarcely  find  bowls  and  basins  sufficient. 

I  had  separated  the  honeycomb  which  clung  to  the  inside  of 
the  tree,  when,  hearing  a  humming  noise,  I  looked  around  me, 
and  discovered  that  the  air  had  restored  a  few  of  the  bees  outside, 
and  that  they  were  buzzing  round  the  calabash  bowls  which  con- 
tained the  honey. 

On  seeing  this  I  hastily  descended,  cleaned  out  a  little  cask,  in 
which  I  placed  all  the  wax  and  honey  we  had  found,  fastened  it 
firmly,  rolled  it  away  to  a  distance,  covered  it  with  a  sail-cloth 
and  branches  of  trees  full  of  leaf,  that  the  bees  might  not  be  able 
to  discover  it. 

I  then  mounted  the  rope  ladder  to  our  sleeping-chamber,  and 
nailing  a  piece  of  board  firmly  to  one  of  the  branches,  I  placed  my 
little  hive  upon  it,  covered  it  with  the  straw  roof,  and  descended 
to  enjoy  with  the  rest  a  feast  of  tapioca  cakes  and  honey. 

I  reminded  the  boys,  however,  that  the  bees  would  not  remain 
long  in  a  state  of  stupor,  and  on  their  recovery  would  have  no  pity 
for  the  robbers  of  their  precious  store  of  honey,  if  the  least  drop 
was  left  to  be  discovered  by  them.  This  hint  was  enough,  and 
the  boys  at  once  removed  from  the  place  all  signs  of  honey  with 
the  greatest  care. 

But  to  me  another  result  of  their  recovery  presented  itself;  no 
doubt  they  would  wish  to  return  to  the  old  quarters;  I  must,  there- 
fore, hasten  to  prevent  them  from  doing  so. 

I  took  two  handfuls  of  tobacco,  and  placed  them  on  a  little  board 
covered  with  clay.  I  then  climbed  the  tree,  fixed  the  board  hori- 
zontally in  the  hole  I  had  cut,  and  set  fire  to  the  tobacco  at  differ- 
ent points.  In  a  few  moments  a  cloud  of  smoke  and  vapor  arose, 
which  I  hoped  would  drive  back  the  bees  from  their  old  home,  and 
leave  us  at  liberty  to  occupy  the  hollow  tree. 

My  expectation  was  well  founded.  The  bees,  as  soon  as  they 
recovered  from  their  stupor,  approached  the  tree  in  swarms,  to 
regain  their  former  dwelling;  but  the  fumes  of  tobacco  drove  them 

[274] 


ROBINSON 

back,  and  before  evening  they  had  taken  possession  of  their  new 
hive  in  the  tree,  and  appeared  to  consider  it  as  their  home. 

The  honey-plunderers,  therefore  (myself  and  the  boys),  resolved 
to  appropriate  the  interior  of  the  tree  to  ourselves,  and  to  examine 
it  on  the  following  morning.  We  were  also  obliged  to  put  off 
the  preparation  of  the  honey,  for  too  many  bees  were  still  buzz- 
ing about  to  permit  us  even  to  touch  our  store  until  after 
sunset. 

We  therefore  rested  for  a  while,  till  the  darkness  and  the  cold  air 
had  driven  the  bees  to  their  nest,  and  then  began  our  work. 

After  separating  the  honeycomb  from  the  honey,  it  was  thrown 
into  a  vessel  of  water,  and  placed  over  a  slow  fire,  till  the  entire 
mass  became  a  fluid.  This  was  then  poured  into  a  clean,  coarse 
bag,  and  the  water  pressed  from  it.  The  honey  and  wax  were 
then  stood  aside  to  cool  during  the  night. 

In  the  morning,  a  large  quantity  of  wax  was  found  floating  on 
the  surface,  which  was  easily  removed.  The  pure  honey  re- 
maining behind  was  carefully  gathered  up,  placed  in  the  cask 
with  the  rest,  and  the  cask  then  buried  in  the  ground. 

We  had  now  a  promise  for  the  future  of  as  much  sweet  and 
good  things  as  we  could  wish. 

As  soon  as  this  was  accomplished,  and  before  the  warmth  of 
the  rising  sun  had  awakened  the  bees,  we  proceeded  without 
delay  to  inspect  the  hollow  trunk  of  the  tree,  which  I  already 
imagined  could  be  made  so  useful. 

The  opening  I  had  made  was  quite  large  enough  for  me  to 
pass  through,  and  I  took  with  me  a  string,  with  a  stone  tied  to  the 
end  of  it,  to  enable  me  to  measure  the  height  and  width  of  the 
cavity.  I  found,  to  my  astonishment,  that  the  tree  was  entirely 
hollov/;  and  although  great  difficulties  would  arise,  yet,  with 
energy  and  perseverance,  a  splendid  staircase  might  be  erected. 

I  decided,  therefore,  at  once  to  make  a  beginning  of  my  build- 
ing, rejoicing  in  the  thought  that  the  boys  would  have  a  new 
motive  for  activity,  and  add  another  to  the  many  forms  of  in- 

[275] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

struction  ot  various  kinds  which  had  been  so  lately  presented  to 
them. 

It  was,  above  all  things,  necessary  to  begin  by  cutting  in  the 
trunk,  on  the  side  facing  the  sea,  an  opening  large  enough  to  fit 
the  door  we  had  brought  from  the  captain's  cabin  on  the  wreck, 
with  all  that  was  necessary  to  form  an  entrance,  not  only  for  our- 
selves, but  our  animals. 

I  then,  with  the  help  of  my  boys,  cleared  away  all  the  decayed 
wood  that  remained  in  the  hollow  trunk  of  the  tree,  and  carefully 
cleaned  the  sides  of  the  interior  as  far  up  as  we  could  reach.  In 
the  centre  was  placed,  upright  and  firmly  fixed  in  the  ground,  a 
strong  beam,  of  about  a  foot  in  thickness  and  ten  or  twelve  feet 
high,  round  which  I  intended  to  fix  my  staircase  in  the  form  of  a 
spiral  line.  On  this  beam  I  cut  notches,  to  receive  the  ends  of 
pieces  of  board,  at  a  distance  of  half  a  foot  from  each  other,  and 
made  incisions  to  receive  the  other  ends  in  the  sides  of  the  hollow 
tree  directly  opposite,  and  thus  formed  the  supports  for  my  wind- 
ing stairs  round  the  beam  till  they  reached  the  top. 

The  entrance-hole  of  the  tree,  which  I  had  enlarged,  formed 
now  a  window,  and  gave  us  sufficient  light  for  our  work.  To 
this  we  added  a  second,  as  the  steps  rose  higher.  A  third  open- 
ing was  made  to  enable  us  to  reach  our  sleeping-room  in  the 
tree  castle  from  the  staircase  without  the  trouble  of  climbing  our 
rope  ladder. 

A  second  tree-stem  was  now  introduced  and  fastened  outside 
the  steps,  for  us  to  hold  by  as  we  ascended  to  our  sleeping-apart- 
ment. My  winding  stairs  were  then  complete,  and  if  not  exactly 
in  accordance  with  the  rules  of  architecture,  yet,  in  our  opinion, 
were  most  beautiful  and  useful. 

A  few  days  after  its  commencement  our  dog  Floss  presented  us 
with  six  pretty  little  pups.  We  could  not,  of  course,  afford  to 
bring  up  so  many,  but  we  kept  two— a  male  and  a  female.  The 
rest  were  drowned.  Strange  to  say,  the  mother  allowed  Jack  to 
replace  one  of  them  with  the  young  jackal,  which  he  had  found 

[276] 


R  O   B  I  N  S  O  N 

great  difficulty  in  feeding,  and  feared  it  would  die.  Poor  old  Flo 
made  no  objection,  but  gave  her  milk  to  the  stranger  as  kindly  as 
to  her  own  little  ones. 

About  this  time,  also,  our  goats  had  two  little  kids,  and  the 
sheep  five  lambs,  which  was  a  very  pleasant  addition  to  our  flocks; 
but,  fearing  these  useful  animals  might  some  day  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  the  ass  and  leave  our  protection,  we  tied  to  the  necks  of 
the  goat  and  the  old  sheep  little  bells  brought  from  the  wreck,  and 
which  the  captain  intended  to  barter  with  the  savages. 

We  hoped,  by  means  of  the  tinkling  bells,  to  discover  if  they 
were  inclined  to  stray,  and  to  prevent  it,  if  possible;  or,  at  least, 
if  they  did  wander,  to  track  them  by  the  sound. 

The  most  important  work  I  had  in  hand  at  this  time,  next  to 
the  staircase,  had  been  the  training  of  the  young  buffalo  as  a 
beast  of  burden,  to  supply  the  place  of  the  ass.  The  wound 
in  his  nose  was  quite  healed;  and,  by  placing  a  small  stick 
through  the  orifice,  as  the  Hottentots  do,  I  could  guide  and  lead 
him  as  horses  are  led  by  a  bit  in  their  mouths.  He  had  readily 
submitted  to  be  harnessed  with  the  cow  in  drawing  a  load,  but 
I  wished  also  to  teach  him  to  carry  things  on  his  back  as  well 
as  a  rider. 

I  began  my  process  by  throwing  across  his  back  a  large  piece 
of  sail-cloth,  and  this  I  secured  by  a  broad  girth  made  of  the  skin 
of  the  dead  buffalo;  then  from  time  to  time  I  bound  various 
heavy  articles  upon  the  cloth;  and  when  at  last  the  basket, 
usually  borne  by  the  ass  and  fully  loaded,  was  placed  on  his  back, 
he  performed  his  task  willingly,  to  my  great  satisfaction.  To 
accustom  the  animal  to  carry  a  rider,  I  hoisted  Master  Nip  to 
that  neck-breaking  position  as  a  first  experiment. 

The  animal  was  so  light  and  so  adroit  in  keeping  his  seat,  that 
the  springs  and  bounds  of  the  buffalo  could  not  throw  him  off. 
After  a  while  he  got  used  to  his  rider,  and  then  the  boys,  one 
after  another,  mounted  him,  and  even  litde  Frank  was  tempted  to 
take  a  few  lessons  in  riding  while   I   held  him  on  the  buffalo's 

[277] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

back;  and  at  last  I  considered  that  the  boys  might  use  the  buiialo 
calf  as  a  riding-horse  without  any  great  danger. 

Fritz  meanwhile  had  not  neglected  the  training  of  his  eagle. 
He  fed  him  daily  with  dead  birds,  or  litde  kids  which  he  shot, 
sometimes,  from  between  the  wide-spreading  horns  of  the  buffalo 
when  he  carried  him  on  his  shoulder  while  ridmg.  He  taught  him 
also  to  bring  down  birds  or  other  small  prey,  holding  him  in  leash 
like  a  falcon,  and  always  rewarding  him  with  some  of  the  game 
he  caught. 

But  while  the  eagle  was  becoming  accustomed  to  his  master, 
and  had  learned  to  obey  him,  Fritz  was  afraid  to  give  him  his 
freedom,  for  his  bite  would  have  been  dangerous,  and  he  could 
not  yet  be  trusted  near  the  poultry-yard,  for  we  of  course  ex- 
pected him  to  follow  the  dictates  of  his  nature. 

Ernest,  notwithstanding  his  inactive  disposition,  endeavored  to 
train  the  little  monkey  which  Fritz  had  given  him,  and  to  regulate 
his  capricious  movements,  but  with  litde  success.  However,  with 
the  help  of  Jack,  Ernest  constructed  a  small  cane  basket  to  fasten 
upon  Nip's  back  with  a  strap  round  his  shoulders,  but  to  this  the 
restless  animal  at  first  greatly  objected.  However,  partly  by 
force,  and  partly  by  rewards  of  nuts  or  some  other  tempting 
morsel,  Nip  was  conquered,  and  would  really  carry  a  load  that 
was,  for  him,  rather  heavy. 

'Midst  all  this  Jack  became  anxious  to  train  his  jackal,  to 
which  he  had  given  the  name  of  Hunter.  The  little  animal  had 
grown  very  much  since  the  old  dog  Flo  took  to  him  so  kindly, 
and  would  play  with  the  puppies  in  the  most  amusing  manner; 
they  were  sometimes  joined  in  their  games  by  Nip,  till  they  grew 
too  big  and  strong  for  him. 

Jack  had  given  the  name  of  Hunter  to  his  jackal,  hoping  to 
make  a  pointer  of  him,  and  teach  him  to  discover  the  game  with- 
out killing  it;  but  for  the  first  six  months  the  animal  made  no 
progress,  even  after  many  attempts,  yet  Jack  did  not  despair  of 
success,  and  looked  forward  to  the  future  very  hopefully. 

[278] 


ROBINSON 

While  my  boys  were  thus  occupied,  I  had  been  also  busily  em- 
ployed; indeed,  there  was  always  something  that  wanted  attend- 
ing to,  and  at  our  times  of  rest  and  recreation  the  mother  gen- 
erally took  the  opportunity  of  suggesting  what  was  necessary 
to  be  done. 

In  such  like  employments  we  all  generally  occupied  two  hours 
of  the  day,  while  building  the  spiral  staircase,  when  our  under- 
taking would  permit  us  to  spare  that  time  for  rest  or  recreation. 

In  the  evenings  we  assembled  together  as  usual  in  a  loving 
family  circle,  and  the  mother  would  then  suggest  any  needful  or 
homely  business  that  required  attending  to.  Among  other  wants 
candle-making  was  very  urgent,  as  our  present  store,  which  had 
lasted  a  long  time,  was  nearly  used  up. 

Jack  had  proposed  that  in  fabricating  our  next  stock  of  candles 
we  should  use  the  hollow  of  a  bamboo  cane  as  a  mould;  but  it 
appeared  to  me  not  likely  to  answer  in  spite*of  its  cleverness,  for 
I  felt  convinced  that  in  drawing  the  candle  out  of  the  mould  I 
should  injure  it.  I  therefore  determined  to  divide  the  hollow 
cane  first,  and  after  cleaning  and  greasing  each  with  salt  butter, 
place  the  wax  inside  the  two  halves.  These  being  tightly  bound 
together,  and  the  joints  outside  stopped  up,  that  the  wax  might 
not  ooze  out  while  in  a  liquid  state,  could  be  left  till  it  became 
firm. 

Another  diflSculty,  however,  arose,  for  the  mother  was  very 
unwilling  to  consent  to  the  wicks  being  made  of  the  threads  of 
our  cotton  neckties  or  sail-cloth;  I  decided,  therefore,  to  try  an- 
other experiment  by  which  to  save  these  useful  articles.  I  chose 
a  piece  of  inflammable  wood  from  a  tree  which  is  a  native  of  the 
Antillas,  and  called  touchwood.  This  I  intended  to  split  into 
thin  strips,  fix  them  in  the  candle-moulds,  and  pour  the  melted  wax 
round  them. 

But  the  mother  had  in  the  meantime  thought  of  the  karata- 
tree;  she  at  once  drew  out  the  threads  from  several  leaves,  cleaned 
and  laid  them  to  dry.     Then  placing  a  sufficient  number  together 

[279] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

to  form  a  wick  of  the  required  thickness,  she  brought  it  to  me 
with  the  hope  that  my  touchwood  by  this  would  be  beaten  out  of 
the  field. 

With  some  satisfaction  I  promised  to  try  the  invention.  We 
had  now  all  the  means  at  hand  for  fire  and  candle-making,  and 
we  therefore  set  to  work  with  great  eagerness.  I  could  also  im- 
prove our  candles  greatly  now  by  mixing  beeswax  with  the  wax- 
berries.  This  was  placed,  as  usual,  to  melt  over  a  slow  fire.  Each 
half  of  the  candle-moulds,  after  being  dipped  in  cold  water,  was 
laid  with  the  open  part  uppermost,  that  the  melted  wax  might 
be  poured  in.  They  were  then  lifted  carefully,  bound  together, 
and  laid  aside  to  grow  firm.  In  a  few  hours  we  could  remove 
the  moulds  from  our  first  experiment,  and  examine  our  candles 
with  critical  eyes.  There  was  still  another  trial  to  make,  that  we 
might  prove  which  answered  best  as  a  wick,  the  w^ood  splinters, 
the  karata  threads,  or  the  cotton. 

As  by  this  time  it  was  nearly  dark,  I  lighted  two  of  our  newly 
made  candles,  each  containing  a  wick  of  a  diff^erent  material. 
The  decision  at  last  was  in  favor  of  the  old  cotton  wicks.  The 
touchwood  flamed  strongly  and  gave  a  bright  light,  while  the 
karata-thread  wicks  burned  feebly  and  seemed  so  ready  to  go 
out  every  moment,  that  for  a  time  we  gave  the  preference  to  the 
touchwood.  It  was  very  soon,  however,  discovered  that  we  could 
not  hope  to  save  our  clothing  or  the  sail-cloth,  much  as  we  wished 
to  do  so,  it  was  too  evident  that  cotton  as  wicks  to  our  wax  lights 
was  the  most  suitable  and  useful. 

After  completing  this  candle-making,  I  became  anxious  to  try 
my  skill  and  my  inventive  powers  in  a  new  and  important  under- 
taking— the  manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes  from  the  india- 
rubber-tree  sap,  and  I  at  once  sent  the  boys  for  the  vessels  and 
hunting-flasks  in  which  the  caoutchouc  had  been  stored  when  we 
visited  the  wood  and  collected  the  sap. 

On  their  return  I  commenced  operations  by  filling  a  pair  of  my 
old  stockings  with  sand,  and  then  covering  them  with  a  thin  coat- 

[280] 


ROBINSON 

ing  of  clay,  and  to  make  the  shape  hrm  laid  them  first  in  the 
shade  and  then  in  the  sun  to  dry.  After  this  I  melted  the  caout- 
chouc and  laid  it  over  the  stockings  with  a  brush  made  of  goat's 
hair.  As  this  hardened,  I  put  on  a  second  and  a  third  coating, 
till  it  was  of  a  proper  thickness,  and  then  hung  up  the  stockings 
till  the  gum  became  quite  hard  and  dry. 

Meanwhile  I  cut  out  a  pair  of  soles  of  the  size  of  my  shoe  from 
the  buffalo's  skin,  which  I  had  beaten  with  a  hammer  to  make  it 
soft,  and  melting  the  india-rubber  on  the  sole  of  each  stocking, 
I  fixed  the  skin  soles  to  them,  so  that  when  dry  they  adhered  quite 
closely.  After  leaving  them  for  an  hour  in  the  cold  air  to  become 
firm,  I  threw  out  the  sand,  and  carefully  separating  the  stocking 
from  the  caoutchouc,  I  produced  a  splendid  pair  of  boots,  of 
such  a  good  shape  that  my  boys  begged  me  to  make  them  each  a 
pair  as  soon  as  possible,  which  I  promised  to  do  when  other  im- 
portant matters  were  accomplished. 

One  thing  I  was  anxious  should  be  completed,  for  the  children 
often  grew  tired  of  fetching  water  from  the  river. 

The  channels  made  from  the  trunk  of  the  sago-tree,  to  conduct 
the  water  from  the  bay  to  Zeltheim,  had  long  been  laid  down,  and 
by  lengthening  these  channels,  I  found  I  could  bring  the  water  to 
Falcon's  Nest,  and  use  the  shell  of  the  turtle  for  a  fountain,  as 
we  had  long  ago  proposed. 

It  was  necessary,  however,  to  have  a  support  for  the  shell- 
fountain,  and  this  was  done  by  placing  on  the  spot  stones  cemented 
together  with  lime,  and  raised  to  a  proper  height.  When  this  was 
completed,  I  connected  with  the  sago-palm  water-pipes,  a  hollow 
cane,  through  which  the  water  could  flow  into  the  shell.  In  front 
also  was  placed  a  calabash  bowl,  to  receive  the  overflow  of  the 
water. 

Unfortunately  our  fountain,  although  all  that  we  could  wish, 
stood  exposed  to  the  sun's  rays,  which  made  the  water  at  times 
lukewarm;    still,  we  were  in  raptures  over  our  performance. 

We   consecrated   the  fountain   with    the  water    in  which   our 

[  281  ] 


T^E  SWISS  FAMILY 

potatoes  had  been  boiled  for  supper,  and  the  songs  and  trohcs  of 
the  boys  in  their  dehght  continued  long  after  the  usual  hour  of 
retiring  to  rest. 

And  so  every  day  brought  its  work;  we  had  no  time  to  be  idle, 
nor  to  lament  over  our  separation  from  our  old  home  and  the 
society  of  mankind.  Each  night  we  lay  down  to  rest  after  our 
evening  meal,  and  slept  in  peaceful  contentment,  after  the  toils 
of  the  day,  that  sleep  which  only  health  and  active  employment 
can  secure. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XXI 

grizzle's  new  friend 

NE  morning  early,  while  busily  engaged  in  complet- 
ing a  hand-rail   to  the  staircase,  a  strange  and  un- 
[1  usual    sound   was    heard   at   a   distance,  something 
resembling  the    roar   of  a   wild    beast,  yet    I    could 
form    no   opinion    as    to   the    animal    from    which 
the   sounds    issued. 

Our  dogs,  however,  became  restless,  and  seemed  to  whet  their 
teeth  in  readiness  for  an  attack  upon  the  enemy.  We  also  im- 
mediately set  ourselves  on  the  defensive,  and  at  once  m.ounting 
to  our  castle  in  the  tree,  loaded  our  guns  ready  for  the  charge. 
This  strange  roaring  continued  for  some  time,  and  at  last  I 
descended  from  our  citadel  and  enticed  our  domestic  animals 
nearer  to  us,  that  we  might  keep  them  in  sight,  and  also  arrayed 
our  two  faithful  sentinels  in  their  prickly  collars. 

Again  mounting  to  the  castle,  I  carefully  scanned  the  surround- 
ing country  with  a  glass,  to  discover  if  possible  our  expected  foe. 
The  roaring  recommenced,  and  this  time  evidently  nearer,  so 
that  I  could  distinguish  a  sort  of  panting  sound,  as  of  a  creature 
out  of  breath.  I  decided  at  once,  therefore,  to  descend  with 
Fritz,  and  begged  the  rest  of  the  boys  to  remain  with  their  mother, 
and  keep  as  still  as  possible.  Our  faithful  dogs  kept  close  at 
hand,  watching  and  listening. 

As  we  stood  thus  in  anxious  expectation,  the  peculiar  sounds 
came  near  enough  to  be  distinguished  by  the  sharp  ears  of  Fritz. 
Suddenly  casting  aside  his  gun,  he  rushed  forward,  and  bursting 
into  a  loud  laugh,  exclaimed: 

[  283  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Papa!  papa!  it  is  the  donkey  come  back!  poor  old  Grizzle! 
it  is,  truly;   and  he  seems  quite  friendly." 

I  felt  almost  at  first  inclined  to  be  angry;  but  following  the 
direction  taken  by  Fritz,  I  came  upon  the  truant,  who  was,  how- 
ever, not  alone.  Another  cry,  something  resembling  the  he-haw 
of  our  donkey,  but  still  different,  sounded  near  him;  and  the  next 
moment  I  observed  at  a  short  distance  an  animal  of  the  same 
race  but  of  a  far  more  graceful  form,  and  almost  as  elegant  in  its 
movements  as  a  horse. 

I  recognized  it  at  once  as   the  onager,  or  wild    ass,  and  im- 


mediately various  means  were   suggested  to   my  mind  to  enable 
me  to  make  it  my  prisoner. 

Again  warning  my  children  not  to  make  the  least  noise,  I  left 
the  tree  with  Fritz,  and  crept  cautiously  toward  the  place  where 
the  animals  had  stopped  to  graze.  Here  I  commenced  my  opera- 
tions by  tying  a  slip-knot  in  the  end  of  a  piece  of  cord,  and  fasten- 
mg  the  other  end  to  one  of  the  roots  of  the  tree.  I  then  placed  a 
small  stick  in  the  slip-knot,  to  keep  it  open,  so  that,  when  the  rope 
was  thrown  over  the  head  of  the  animal,  it  would  close  round  his 
neck  and  make  him  a  prisoner. 

[284] 


ROBINSON 

In  addition  to  this,  I  took  a  piece  of  bamboo  cane  about  two 
feet  long,  which  I  split  in  two,  and  tied  the  pieces  together  cross- 
w^ays,  nearer  to  one  end  than  the  other,  to  form  in  the  smaller 
part  a  pair  of  pincers.  To  the  upper  ends  I  attached  pieces  of 
string,  by  which  I  could  draw  it  together  or  loosen  it  as  I  pleased. 

Fritz  watched  the  performance  with  great  curiosity  and  no  litde 
impatience,  as  he  could  not  discover  the  use  of  my  work,  and 
begged  me  at  last  to  allow  him  to  throw  the  lasso,  and  bring  the 
animal  more  quickly  into  our  power.  But  this  time  I  would  have 
nothing  to  do  with  Patagonian  hunting,  for  I  was  very  anxious 
to  secure  this  beautiful  wild  ass  without  alarming  the  creature.  I 
therefore  held  the  boy  back  till  the  stranger  should  approach  a 
little  closer;  and  in  the  meantime  I  endeavored  to  explain  to 
him  the  use  of  my  own  contrivance. 

While  we  talked  in  whispers,  the  unconscious  animals,  grazing 
quietly,  had  wandered  by  degrees  still  nearer  to  us.  With  a  cau- 
tion to  Fritz,  I  gave  him  the  loop  end  of  the  rope,  and  taking  the 
other  end  in  my  hand,  advanced  with  slow  and  cautious  steps  as 
near  to  the  wild  ass  as  the  length  of  the  string  would  allow,  Fritz 
following  closely. 

The  creature,  who  no  doubt  had  never  before  seen  the  face  of 
man,  sprang  a  few  steps  back  at  our  sudden  appearance,  and 
stared  at  us  in  astonishment.  However,  as  Fritz  did  not  move, 
the  stranger  again  began  to  graze  quietly,  and  then  the  boy, 
knowing  what  attracted  our  own  animals,  gradually  advanced 
nearer  to  our  old  friend  Grizzle,  and  held  out  a  handful  of  oats 
mixed  with  salt. 

The  ass  did  not  hesitate  a  moment,  but  came  forward  eagerly 
to  take  the  favorite  fodder. 

The  stranger,  seeing  this,  also  approached,  raised  his  head, 
made  a  ratding  noise  through  his  nose,  scented  the  delicacy  while 
still  getting  closer  to  it.  At  last,  not  being  able  to  control  his 
curiosity  and  his  longing,  he  advanced  to  share  the  tempting 
morsels  with  his  companion. 

1 285] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Fritz  at  this  moment  quickly  raised  his  hand,  and,  with  great 
dexterity,  threw  the  noose  over  the  head  and  neck  of  the  animal; 
but  the  creature  started  back  with  such  a  bound,  that  the  jerk 
caused  by  the  pull  of  the  rope  threw  him  on  the  ground,  and  so 
tightened  the  noose  round  his  neck,  that  our  poor  prisoner  lay 
panting  for  breath,  with  his  tongue  protruding,  and  nearly 
strangled.  I  rushed  quickly  to  loosen  the  string,  and  instead  of 
it  threw  over  his  head  the  halter  belonging  to  old  Grizzle.  I  then 
placed  on  each  side  of  his  nose  the  lower  ends  of  the  split  bamboo 
cane,  with  which,  by  pulling  the  strings  at  the  upper  ends,  I 
could  compress  the  nostrils,  to  make  him  submit  to  my  will,  as 
farriers  do  while  shoeing  a  restive  horse.*  After  removing  the 
noose  from  his  neck,  and  tying  two  long  pieces  of  rope  to  the 
strings  which  compressed  the  pincers  on  the  left  and  right  of  the 
nostrils,  I  fastened  the  end  of  each  to  the  nearest  tree-roots,  and 
left  him  between  the  roots  to  recover  himself,  and  to  see  by  his 
behavior  whether  anything  more  was  necessary  to  overcome  and 
tame  him. 

Meanwhile,  the  rest  of  our  house-folks  had  hastily  descended 
from  the  tree,  and  stood,  with  wonder  and  delight,  admiring  the 
beautiful  stranger.  He  was  of  a  slighter  build  than  the  ass,  and 
far  superior  in  appearance,  yet  the  creature  evidently  partook  of 
the  nature  both  of  the  horse  and  the  ass. 

Suddenly  he  sprang  to  his  feet,  with  the  evident  determination 
to  escape,  but  the  pain  caused  by  the  pressure  on  his  nostrils 
when  he  moved  damped  his  activity,  and  he  at  last  became  so 
quiet,  that  I  ventured  to  lead  him  gently  beneath  the  sheltered 
tree-roots  which  formed  for  the  present  our  stables. 

Here  I  tied  him  by  a  long  string  attached  to  the  halter,  which 
gave  him  room  to  move  about,  and  yet  to  be  near  us  and  in  safety. 

Now  that  we  had  the  ass  again  actually  in  our  possession,  I  was 
anxious  to  secure  the  truant,  so  that  he  might  not  wander  from  us 

*  At  the  time  this  story  was  written,  and  when  farriers  used  this  cruel  instru- 
ment, few  people  had  learned  that  not  only  horses,  but  other  animals,  can  be 
managed  more  easily  by  kind  and  gentle  treatment  than  by  severity. 

[286] 


ROBINSON 


"ItlKj l—fC 


.t^wttm, 


ROBINSON 

SO  easily  in  future.  I  therefore  placed  him  also  in  the  stable,  tied 
by  a  halter  near  to  the  wild  ass,  making  old  Grizzle  a  prisoner 
for  a  few  days,  as  well  as  the  onager,  that  they  might  become 
accustomed  to  each  other.  I  also  wished  to  accustom  him  to  the 
fodder  eaten  by  our  domestic  animals. 

My  greatest  anxiety,  however,  was,  of  course,  to  tame  the  new- 
comer, and  teach  him  not  only  to  carry  heavy  burdens,  but  also 
to  take  a  rider  on  his  back.  This  would  cost  us  a  great  deal  of 
trouble,  I  well  knew;  and,  indeed,  after  many  efforts,  I  feared  it 
would  be  impossible  to  succeed,  unless  I  adopted  a  plan  which 
seemed  to  me  most  cruel  and  repulsive — to  bite  the  animal  in 
both  ears. 

My  wife,  who  pitied  the  poor  creature,  anxiously  inquired  why 
I  did  so,  and  for  what  reason. 

"I  will  explain  to  you,"  I  replied,  "what  I  once  heard  from  a 
horse-tamer  who  was  well  acquainted  with  the  success  of  this  plan. 
He  told  me  that  in  North  America  resides  a  race  of  uncivilized 
Europeans,  who  trade  with  the  natives  for  the  skins  and  furs  of 
animals  which  inhabit  that  cold  region,  and  receive  in  return 
various  articles  from  Europe.  These  people,  while  on  their  hunt- 
ing expeditions,  especially  in  the  deserts  of  the  southern  region, 
often  meet  with  tribes  of  wild  horses,  which  they  make  captive. 
But  to  tame  them  is  not  so  easy.  They  at  first  are  usually  quite 
unmanageable,  and  wildly  refuse  to  receive  on  their  backs  either 
a  rider  or  a  load.  At  last  their  captors  are  obliged  to  adopt  the 
plan  of  biting  the  ears;  and  the  animal,  once  so  wild  and  intrac- 
table, becomes  tame,  and  submits  to  be  guided  or  ridden  at  the 
will  of  his  owner.  On  these  fleet  horses  the  natives  ride,  through 
woods  and  over  hedges,  to  the  European  settlements  for  a  great 
distance,  and  carry  on  their  profitable  trade  in  skins  and  furs."  ^ 

*  These  furs  and  skins  form  now  an  important  article  of  commerce  between 
America  and  most  European  countries.  The  traders  with  the  natives  are  not 
uncivilized  Europeans,  as  they  may  have  been  when  this  German  story  was 
written.  We  may  hope,  also,  that  horses  are  tamed  now  without  the  cruel 
and  unpleasant  necessity  of  being  obliged  to  bite  the  ears. 

[289] 


TS^  SWISS  FAMILY 

In  a  few  weeks  our  visitor  was  so  far  conquered,  that  he  could 
be  ridden  with  tolerable  safety;  but  it  was  necessary  to  tie  his  fore 
feet  loosely  together  with  a  cord,  that  he  might  not  use  his  natural 
swiftness  in  running  away  with  his  rider.  I  was  obliged  for  a 
time  to  lead  the  animal,  in  consequence  of  having  no  proper  bit 
and  bridle;  but  I  managed  to  contrive  a  kind  of  nose-band  with 
reins,  by  which  the  rider  could  himself  guide  his  steed  right  or 
left,  as  he  pleased. 

About  this  time  three  of  our  hens  presented  us  with  broods  of 
chickens,  so  that  a  swarm  of  nearly  forty  little  chicks  were  run- 
ning and  chirping  around  us  in  all  directions. 

This  increase  to  our  farm-yard  reminded  me  again  of  the 
necessity  for  contriving  a  more  convenient  place  to  shelter  our 
animals  and  feathered  folk,  which  we  had  so  often  wished  for. 
I  felt  more  than  ever  anxious  on  this  point,  because  I  ex- 
pected the  approach  of  the  rainy  season  and  the  winter  in  this 
region;  and  to  complete  a  new  building  in  time  would  be  im- 
possible. 

I  decided,  therefore,  to  place  a  more  substantial  covering  over 
the  arched  roots  of  our  tree,  the  space  underneath  being  occupied 
by  the  animals  and  fowls  as  their  roosting  and  sleeping-place.  To 
do  this  we  had  to  place  bamboo  canes,  one  across  the  other,  over 
the  arch  of  the  roots,  and  fill  up  the  crevices  with  moss  and  clay, 
to  cement  them  firmly  together.  This  covering  I  washed  with  a 
mixture  of  tar  and  lime-water,  which  made  the  roof  firm,  and 
being  flat,  we  could  safely  walk  upon  it. 

Not  long  after  this  w^as  completed  we  set  out  one  evening  to 
gather  a  store  of  potatoes,  and  on  our  way  back  I  proposed  to  the 
mother  to  return  home  alone  with  little  Frank,  while  I  and  the 
three  elder  boys  continued  our  way  to  the  oak  wood  to  gather  up 
a  couple  of  bagsful  of  sweet  acorns. 

Ernest  had  with  him  his  little  monkey,  and  Fritz  sat  rider-like 
on  the  now  quite  tamed  onager.  We  had  not  yet  filled  the  sacks, 
and   as  I  wanted   to  try  whether  the  animal  could   be  made  to 

[290] 


ROBINSON 

carry  a  load,  I  determined  to  make  the  experiment  with  the  two 
sacks  of  acorns. 

On  arriving  at  the  spot,  we  fastened  the  steed,  which  the  boys 
had  named  Lightfoot  on  account  of  his  swiftness,  to  a  tree,  while 
we  hastily  gathered  up  the  acorns  and  filled  the  bags.  We  had, 
however,  scarcely  finished  our  work,  when  the  ape  with  a  sudden 
spring  disappeared  among  the  nearest  bushes,  and  the  next 
moment,  the  frightened  scream  of  a  bird  and  the  rush  of  flapping 
wings  made  us  suppose  that  a  great  battle  was  going  on  with  a 
dweller  among  the  bushes  which  Master  Nip  had  disturbed. 
Ernest,  who  stood  nearest  to  the  battle-field,  suddenly  exclaimed 
joyfully: 

"Papa!  here  is  a  hen's  nest  full  of  eggs!  The  ape  is  struggling 
with  her,  but  Fritz  can  take  her  prisoner  while  I  hold  Nip." 

At  these  words  Fritz  started  forward  without  delay,  and  rush- 
ing into  the  bushes,  in  a  very  short  space  of  time  reappeared, 
carrying  in  his  arms  a  beautiful  living  female  Canadian  fowl,  or 
"  ruflPed  grouse,"  similar  to  the  one  he  had  shot. 

I  was  greatly  pleased  with  this  discovery,  and  helped  the  boy 
at  once  to  bind  the  legs  and  wings  of  the  bird  together.  Presently 
Ernest  appeared,  coming  out  of  the  bushes  with  his  girdle  stuck 
full  of  leaves,  sharp-pointed  like  a  dagger,  which  seemed  to  me  to 
belong  to  a  plant  called  the  "sword  lily." 

The  boy  held  out  his  hat  to  me,  and  exclaimed: 

"Look,  papa!  these  are  really  the  eggs  of  the  Canadian  fowl. 
Won't  mamma  be  pleased  .^" 

"But  those  leaves,  Ernest,"  I  said,  "what  are  they  for?" 

"Oh,  I  stuck  them  in  here  that  I  might  carry  them  home  for 
little  Frank  to  play  at  soldiers  with.  They  are  just  like  swords, 
and  he  will  be  able  to  pretend  to  fight  and  fence  with  them." 

After  finishing  the  work  of  filling  up  the  sacks  with  acorns,  I 
placed  them  gently  on  the  onager's  back,  and  to  my  great  satis- 
faction he  received  the  load  quietly.  Fritz  then  swung  himself 
up  between  them,  and  we  turned  our  steps  gladly  homeward  to 

[291  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Falcon's  Nest — Ernest  with  the  precious  eggs  in  his  hat,  while  I 
had  patiently  undertaken  to  carry  the  Canadian  bird. 

Great  was  the  mother's  pleasure  when  we  reached  home  with 
our  treasures;  and  my  wife  managed  the  hen  so  cleverly,  that  she 
induced  her  to  again  sit  on  her  eggs,  and  in  a  few  days  she  pre- 
sented us  with  fifteen  beautiful  little  Canadian  chicks,  to  our  great 
delight. 

A  few  days  after  our  return  to  Falcon's  Nest,  little  Frank  was 
seated  on  the  floor,  playing  with  the  leaves  of  the  sword  lily  plant, 
when  Fritz  passed  by  and  said: 

"Let  me  make  you  a  whip,  Franky,  of  these  leaves,  before  they 
decay  and  become  soft;  it  will  help  you  to  keep  the  sheep  and 
goats  in  better  order;  but  you  must  split  the  leaves  for  me  before 
I  plait  them." 

As  the  two  boys  were  thus  employed,  I  passed  by  and  observed 
that  the  fibres  of  these  leaves  w^ere  tough  and  pliable,  and  allowed 
themselves  to  be  twisted  and  bent  with  the  greatest  ease.  I  took 
a  leaf  in  my  hand  to  examine  it  more  closely,  and  found  that  it 
consisted  of  long  flexible  fibres,  joined  to  the  stalk  by  a  little  green 
thread. 

I  presently  formed  an  opinion,  yet  not  without  some  hesitation, 
that  this  so-called  sword  lily  plant  was  no  other  than  the  New 
Zealand  flax;  and  this  discovery,  in  our  present  position,  would, 
I  knew,  be  of  unspeakable  value  to  us. 

I  could  not  rest  until  I  had  mentioned  the  subject  to  my  wife, 
although  it  was  merely  conjecture  on  my  part;  but  she  almost 
astonished  me  by  falling  into  ecstasies  over  it,  and  exclaiming, 
joyfully: 

"Oh,  what  a  splendid  discovery!  the  best  you  have  ever  brought 
home.  Please  get  me  a  leaf,  that  I  may  know  what  it  is  like. 
From  this  I  can  make  stockings,  shirts,  and  all  sorts  of  wearing 
apparel,  besides  having  as  much  thread  and  string  as  we  require." 

I  could  not  avoid  laughing  at  the  mother's  enthusiasm,  and 
endeavored  to  moderate  her  zeal  by  pointing  out  that  the  leaves 

[292  ] 


ROBINSON 

were  not  yet  made  into  linen,  neither  had  we  enough  for  that 
purpose. 

Fritz  and  Jack,  who  were  listening  with  great  interest,  suddenly 
and  silently  disappeared,  and  presently  I  saw  them  riding  away 
quickly  to  the  wood,  one  on  the  wild  ass,  and  the  other  on  the 
buffalo. 

In  a  short  time  we  heard  our  riders  approaching  at  a  quick  trot, 
and  very  soon  they  appeared,  bearing  before  them  on  their  steeds, 
like  foraging  hussars,  immense  bundles  of  the  flax-plant.  Throw- 
ing themselves  off  with  joyful  shouts,  they  placed  before  their 
mother  the  flax-plant  in  abundance. 

"You  have  done  well,"  I  said,  "in  bringing  your  mother  so 
much  work,  my  boys,  and  in  obeying  her  wishes;  but  we  must 
all  help  in  preparing  this  flax,  for  a  great  deal  is  required  to  be 
done,  and  it  must  be  steeped  for  some  time." 

"Steeped,  papa  .?"  said  Fritz.  "Then  we  shall  have  to  make  a 
fire  r 

"No,  my  boy,"  I  answered;  "flax-steeping  does  not  require 
heat,  but  moisture." 

"  But,  papa,  you  said  the  flax  must  be  roasted.  How  can  that 
be  done  without  fire  ?" 

I  smiled  as  I  replied,  "  Roasting  meat  before  a  fire,  and  steeping 
flax  in  water,  are  two  very  different  performances,  Fritz,  although 
the  same  word  denotes  both.^  Steeping  is  performed  by  placing 
hemp  or  flax-plants  in  water  for  a  long  time,  until  by  degrees  they 
decay,  and  the  different  fibres  separate;  the  wooden  parts  are 
then  removed,  and  the  tough  and  flexible  threads,  which  do  not 
decay  so  quickly,  are  made  fit  for  spinning  by  tearing  and  break- 
ing them  with  certain  tools  and  implements." 

"But  why  do  not  these  threads  decay,"  asked  Fritz,  "as  well  as 
the  other  parts  of  the  plants,  if  they  are  so  long  exposed  to  wind 
and  weather .?" 

1  Rosten  is  the  German  word  for  to  roast,  as  well  as  Rosten,  to  steep.  They  are 
spelled  and  pronounced  exactly  the  same,  which  accounts  for  the  mistake  of  Fritz. 

[293] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"That  might  also  easily  occur,"  I  explained,  "if  people  did  not 
understand  the  steeping  process  properly;  but  even  then  there 
would  not  be  much  danger  of  the  fibres  becoming  rotten,  like  the 
rest  of  the  plant.  They  possess  a  peculiar  toughness  or  tenacity 
which  resists  the  destructive  influence  of  moisture;  the  plant  can, 
therefore,  be  placed  in  the  water  for  a  long  time,  with  not  the 
least  danger  to  the  useful  fibres.  It  is  not,  however,  of  much  con- 
sequence whether  the  flax  is  steeped  in  flowing  or  still  water,  so 
long  as  it  is  under  the  influence  of  the  sun,  the  rain,  or  the 
dew." 

"I  think,  then,"  remarked  my  wife,  "that  in  a  hot  climate  like 
this,  it  would  be  advisable  to  lay  our  flax  to  steep  in  the  Flamingo 
Marsh,  which  is  sheltered." 

This  proposal  was  approved  by  all,  and  early  on  the  following 
morning  the  ass  was  harnessed  to  the  little  wagon,  on  which  the 
bundles  of  flax  were  laid,  while  little  Frank  and  Master  Nip  rode 
between  them  on  the  seat.  Taking  with  us  also  spade  and 
hatchets,  we  started  eagerly  for  the  spot  which  the  mother  had  so 
cleverly  selected  for  our  work. 

On  arriving  at  the  marsh,  the  bundles  of  flax  were  divided  into 
smaller  portions,  and  laid  in  the  water,  with  heavy  stones  upon 
them,  that  they  might  not  rise  to  the  surface. 

We  then  left  them  to  their  fate,  the  mother  remarking  that  the 
flax  would  be  ready  for  drying  in  the  sun,  or  by  fire,  as  soon  as  the 
stalks,  which  were  now  steeping,  became  hard  and  brittle  from 
decay. 

While  engaged  in  this  work,  we  had  several  opportunities  for 
observing,  at  various  points  of  the  marsh,  the  wonderful  clever- 
ness and  skill  with  which  the  flamingoes  build  their  nests.  These 
nests  are  in  the  form  of  an  inverted  cone,  w^th  a  blunted  point 
fixed  in  the  ground,  the  upper  and  broader  part  being  raised 
above  the  level  of  the  water.  In  this  broad  part  a  little  hollow 
enclosure  is  formed,  in  which  the  eggs  can  lie  safely  and  con- 
veniently.    Over  this  the  mother  bird  places  herself,  standing  in 

[294] 


ROBINSON 

the  water  with  her  long  legs,  and  covering  the  eggs  with  the  under 
part  of  her  body,  which  rests  upon  them. 

These  cone-shaped  nests  are  formed  of  glutinous  and  sandy 
clay  from  the  marsh,  which  hardens  in  the  sun;  and  they  are  so 
hrm,  in  consequence,  that  the  water  can  neither  wash  them  away 
nor  overturn  them,  till  the  hatching-time  is  over,  and  the  young 
birds  are  old  enough  to  go  on  the  water  themselves  without 
danger. 

We  allowed  the  flax  to  remam  in  the  water  a  fortnight,  and  then 
drew  it  out  and  spread  it  in  the  sun  to  dry.  A  single  day  accom- 
plished this  so  thoroughly,  that  we  were  able  to  remove  it  in  the 
cart  to  Falcon's  Nest  the  same  evening. 

I  however  advised  my  wife  to  delay  for  a  time  her  intention  of 
spinning  the  flax,  to  assist  the  boys  and  myself  in  making  prepara- 
tions to  meet  the  change  of  weather,  and  in  laying  in  a  store  of 
provisions  both  for  ourselves  and  the  animals. 

We  were  already  warned  of  the  approaching  rainy  season  by 
frequent  showers;  the  skv  was  covered  with  clouds,  and  the 
weather  had  changed  from  its  usual  warmth,  and  become  cold 
and  stormy,  with  violent  winds.  In  fact,  winter  I  knew  might 
come  upon  us  in  a  moment,  without  further  warning. 

Our  first  care  was  to  gather  in  a  store  of  potatoes  and  manihot 
or  cassava-roots,  as  plants  which  would  keep  easily,  and  aff'ord  us 
the  most  agreeable  food.  Cocoanuts  and  acorns  also  were  not  to 
be  despised,  nor  the  cassava  cakes,  which  could  be  easily  made, 
although  we  missed  the  bread  made  of  the  wheaten  flour  which 
grows  in  our  Fatherland;  indeed,  this  had  always  been  a  terrible 
privation  to  us  all.  However,  all  the  seeds  of  European  corn  that 
remained  from  the  store  in  the  mother's  bag  had  been  sown,  in 
the  hope  that  the  rainy  season  would  cause  them  to  germinate 
quickly,  and  produce  an  abundant  crop  by  the  spring. 

We  also  expected  that  our  large  plantation  of  sugar-canes,  and 
several  diff^erent  species  of  palm-trees,  would  be  benefited  by  the 
rain.     At  present  we  had  a  store  of  preserved,  half-cooked  birds, 

[295] 


T!i£  SWISS  FAMILY 

dried  fish,  and  flesh  from  the  game  shot  by  the  boys,  in  addition 
to  the  denizens  of  our  pouhry-yard  which  could  be  killed  for  food 
if  necessary. 

The  first  storm  came  upon  us  before  we  had  completed  our 
arrangements;  the  wind  roared,  and  the  rain  fell  in  such  torrents, 
that  little  Frank,  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  inquired  if  another  Deluge 
was  coming. 

These  heavy  rains  made  it  impossible  to  remain  in  our  sleeping- 
apartment,  and  we  were  all  obliged  to  take  refuge  in  the  hollow 
trunk,  with  whatever  provisions  we  could  find  that  were  not 
already  spoiled. 

This  homely  dwelling  was  indeed  crowded,  and  the  floor  so 
occupied  by  household  goods,  beds,  and  living  creatures,  that  it 
was  scarcely  possible  to  move;  and  above  all,  the  smell  from  the 
neighboring  stables,  the  lowing  and  clucking  of  the  animals,  and 
the  horrible  smoke  when  we  attempted  to  light  a  fire,  made  our 
situation  at  first  almost  unbearable. 

All  these  difficulties,  however,  were  by  degrees  overcome;  the 
animals  were  removed  to  a  greater  distance  under  the  tree-roots, 
and  by  piling  up  a  number  of  our  tools  and  other  articles  on  the 
winding  staircase,  we  made  room  enough  for  us  to  work  during 
the  day,  and  lie  down  at  night  with  comfort. 

Cooking  was  dispensed  with  as  much  as  possible,  to  spare  us 
the  tormenting  smoke,  even  at  the  expense  of  hunger.  Besides 
this,  we  were  anxious  to  save  our  dried  wood  in  case  of  colder 
weather  coming  upon  us;  but  we  were  thankful  that,  as  yet,  no 
severe  cold  troubled  us.  What  we  should  do  in  frost  or  snow,  I 
knew  not. 

As  the  evening  of  the  first  day  came  on,  I  and  Fritz,  in  spite  of 
the  rain,  had  to  search  for  the  animals,  and  bring  them  to  shelter 
under  the  arched  roots,  as  well  as  to  obtain  for  them  the  neces- 
sary food. 

We  made  ourselves  as  comfortable  as  we  could  for  the  night  in 
our  hollow  tree;  but  before  I  slept,  I  determined  to  discover  some 

[296] 


ROBINSON 

Other  means  of  passing  through  the  winter  in  comfort,  if  the 
weather  would  clear  up  for  a  few  days  to  enable  me  to  venture 
out. 

But  no  change  took  place  for  nearly  a  week,  and  during  that 
time  we  could  only  subsist  on  the  acorns,  cocoanuts,  cold  meat, 
and  potatoes,  that  we  had  brought  to  our  retreat. 

At  present  we  had  hay  enough  for  the  animals,  and  a  stock  of 
grain  for  the  poultry;  but  I  decided  that  when  we  were  unable  to 
supply  them  with  sufficient  food,  they  must  be  turned  adrift  to 
forage  for  themselves,  and  we  might  also  feed  them  now  and  then 
with  what  remained  of  the  store  of  fodder. 

A  slight  change  in  the  weather  gladdened  my  heart,  for  I  was 
now  able  to  make  some  little  improvements  in  our  habitation,  and 
with  the  help  of  Fritz  bring  in  a  store  of  provisions  from  Zeltheim. 
The  animals  being  in  the  spaces  under  the  arched  roots,  we  had 
the  hollow  trunk  of  our  tree  all  to  ourselves,  and  by  the  time  the 
rainy  season  set  in  we  were  becoming  reconciled  to  our  position. 

Fortunately  the  winter  was  not  cold  as  well  as  wet,  or  we  should 
have  suffered  terribly.  Yet  my  wife  considered  it  necessary  to 
contrive  some  outer  covering  to  protect  Fritz  and  myself  from  the 
rain,  each  time  we  made  an  excursion  after  the  animals,  or  to 
obtain  fresh  stores  from  Zeltheim. 

She  had  found  in  one  of  the  sailors'  lockers  two  canvas  shirts, 
to  which  she  sewed  hoods  to  cover  our  heads.  Over  these  she 
spread  layers  of  caoutchouc,  which  rendered  them  completely 
waterproof,  so  that  we  could  easily  brave  the  rain  without  fear  of 
getting  wet. 

During  our  stay  in  this  hollow  tree  as  a  refuge  from  the  weather 
we  were  still  actively  employed.  We  carefully  fed  and  sheltered 
the  cow,  for  her  milk  was  our  chief  food.  The  boys  took  care  of 
their  pet  animals,  and  my  wife  employed  herself  with  her  needle, 
while  I  commenced  a  journal  of  the  events  which  had  occurred 
since  the  shipwreck,  and  the  story  of  our  lives  in  this  foreign 
land. 

[297  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

My  wife  and  the  boys  readily  helped  me  when  my  memory 
failed,  and  the  questions  and  discussions  that  arose  on  the  sub- 
ject created  great  amusement.  Fritz  and  Jack  taught  little  Frank 
to  read,  but  my  principal  work  during  these  dark,  wintry  days 
consisted  in  making  coarse  and  fine  carding-combs  for  my  wife 
to  separate  and  prepare  the  flax  for  spinning.  For  this  purpose 
I  obtained  from  our  stores  a  number  of  long  nails,  some  finer  than 
others;  these  I  rounded  at  one  end,  and  sharpened  at  the  other 
with  a  file.  For  the  coarse  comb  I  took  the  thicker  nails,  as  near 
as  possible  of  the  same  size,  and  laid  the  rounded  ends  side  by 
side  on  a  strip  of  tin,  about  an  inch  broad,  to  form  the  upper  edge 
of  the  comb.  I  was  careful  to  lay  the  nails  in  an  unbroken  row, 
and  after  pouring  melted  lead  in  the  upper  spaces  between  the 
nails  to  keep  them  firm  in  their  places,  folded  the  tin  over  it;  the 
lower  parts,  and  the  sharp-pointed  ends  of  the  nails  forming  the 
teeth  of  the  comb. 

The  fine  comb  I  made  in  the  same  manner;  they  w^re  each 
about  four  inches  long,  and  quite  strong  enough  to  tear  to  pieces 
bushels  of  hemp  or  flax. 

My  wife  was  eagerly  anxious  to  make  a  first  trial  of  the  new 
machines,  and  constantly  sighing  for  better  weather,  when  it 
would  be  possible  to  light  a  fire,  that  she  might  dry  the  flax,  and 
commence  her  first  experiment  in  combing  and  spinning  the 
newly  discovered  flax,  and  to  satisfy  her  motherly  heart  in  making 
clothes  for  the  boys. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XXII 

SPRING   DAYS    AND   THE    SALT   CAVERN 

T  is  impossible  to  describe  our  joy  when,  after  so 
many  long  weeks  of  confinement  and  privation,  we 
again  gazed  on  the  clear  sky  and  the  bright  sun- 
shine lighting  up  the  face  of  nature.  With  joyful 
cries  we  escaped  from  our  unhealthy  prison  to 
breathe  the  sweet,  fresh  air,  and  refresh  our  longing  eyes  with 
a  sight  of  the  delicate  green  of  budding  spring  and  the  lovely 
verdure  of  field  and  meadow. 

Nature  had  renewed  her  youth,  and  filled  every  living  creature 
with  gladness  and  joy.  We  ourselves  felt  inspired  with  new  hope 
for  the  future.  The  sorrows  of  the  winter  were  all  forgotten,  and 
the  work  which  lay  before  us  in  the  summer  hours  seemed,  in  our 
gladness,  but  as  child's  play. 

We  commenced  at  once  to  examine  the  condition  of  the  land 
we  had  cultivated,  and  found,  to  our  great  joy,  that  all  was 
flourishing. 

Our  tree  plantation  was  in  excellent  condition.  The  seeds  we 
had  sown  were  springing  up.  The  trees  were  putting  forth  their 
young  leaves  of  delicate  green.  The  ground  was  covered  with 
flowers  of  every  hue,  and  their  sweet  fragrance  was  borne  to  us 
upon  the  balmy  air;  while  birds  of  the  most  brilliant  plumage 
made  the  woods  resound  with  song  to  welcome  the  laughing 
spring. 

We  very  soon  discovered,  however,  that  our  work  would  begin 
at  our  castle  in  the  tree,  for  the  rain  had  greatly  damaged  the 
sail-cloth   roof,  and  dried  leaves  had  drifted  into  our   sleeping- 

[  299  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

apartment.  Many  days  would  be  occupied  not  only  to  render  it 
dry  and  clean  for  our  own  use,  but  also  the  stalls  of  the  animals 
under  the  arched  roots,  which  were  greatly  damaged  by  the  rains, 
as  well  as  the  staircase  in  the  hollow  trunk.  In  short,  we  quickly 
found  plenty  of  work. 

While  Fritz  and  I  hastened  to  rectify  the  damage  done  to  oyr 
summer  dwelling,  Ernest  and  Jack  turned  out  the  animals  to 
graze  upon  the  sweet,  fresh  grass  in  the  meadows,  for  the  sun 
had  already  dried  up  all  traces  of  rain  and  moisture. 

The  pet  birds  and  those  we  had  domesticated  with  the  fowls 
had  not  forsaken  the  old  roost,  although  they  had  wandered  away 
in  all  directions  during  our  stay  in  the  hollow  tree,  to  search  for 
additional  food. 

I  was  glad,  therefore,  to  find  the  seeds  we  had  sown  growing  up 
rapidly,  for  our  supply  of  oats  was  nearly  exhausted. 

The  animals  appeared,  however,  in  very  good  condition,  and 
seemed  not  at  all  sorry  to  find  their  fowl-house  and  the  roosting- 
perches  cleaned  and  comfortable. 

As  soon  as  our  room  in  the  tree  and  the  platform  above  the  roots 
were  made  habitable,  and  the  animals  and  pets  all  attended  to, 
my  wife  reminded  me  of  the  flax,  which  required  beating,  carding, 
and  combing,  before  it  could  be  woven  or  spun  into  thread. 

"There  will  be  many  things  for  you  to  do  at  Tent-home,"  she 
said;  "for  I  expect  you  will  find  it  greatly  damaged  by  the  rain. 
And  while  you  and  the  three  boys  are  absent  at  the  work  of  re- 
pairing the  tent,  I  can  stay  here  with  little  Frank  and  spin  the 
flax,  for  you  are  all  terribly  in  want  of  clothes." 

"But  you  must  have  a  spinning-wheel  and  a  spindle,"  I  replied. 
"Where  is  that  to  come  from  ?" 

"Oh,"  she  said,  with  a  smile,  "after  building  rooms,  and  stair- 
cases, and  rope  ladders,  and  carts,  you  won't  find  much  difficulty, 
I  expect,  in  constructing  a  spinning-wheel  for  me." 

After  this  I  could  not  refuse  to  help  her,  and  we  commenced 
proceedings  by  placing  the  bundles  of  steeped  flax  in  the  sun  to 

[  300  [ 


ROBIN  SO  N 

dry.     Then  followed  the  work  of  beating,  stripping,  and  carding. 

The  boys,  each  with  a  long,  heavy  piece  of  wood,  something 
like  a  flail  used  for  threshing  corn,  beat  the  flax  till  the  flexible 
fibres  were  separated  from  the  softer  parts.  I  then  drew  the  fibres 
through  the  coarse  comb  I  had  made  and  passed  them  to  my 
wife,  who  carded  these  fibres  through  the  finer  comb  till  the  flax 
was  in  proper  condition  for  being  spun. 

We  had  succeeded  so  far  wonderfully,  and  I  therefore  set  about 
constructing  a  spinning-wheel  or  distaff  with  great  energy. 

I  chose  the  lightest  of  the  wheels  I  liad  brought  from  the  wreck. 
Fritz  prepared  straps  from  the  skin  of  the  dead  buffalo;  and, 
after  some  difficulty,  I  succeeded  in  forming  a  spinning-wheel, 
and  spindle,  and  reel,  which,  although  rather  clumsy  in  appear- 
ance, were  received  by  my  wife  with  great  satisfaction,  for  it 
seemed  to  her  all  she  could  wish. 

She  at  once  set  to  work;  and  we  left  her  with  little  Frank, 
spinning  yarn  enough,  as  she  said,  to  provide  thread,  yarn,  stock- 
ings, and  linen  for  a  large  supply  of  clothes,  to  replace  those  we 
now  wore,  and  which  were  nearly  worn  out. 

The  journey  to  Zeltheim  was  undertaken  to  discover  what  mis- 
chief the  winter  had  done  to  the  tent,  and  whether  its  condition 
was  as  bad  as  that  of  the  tree-castle  sleeping-room. 

We  found,  to  our  sorrow,  that  the  damage  done  at  Falcon's 
Nest  could  not  be  compared  to  the  terrible  destruction  at  Zeltheim. 

Storm  and  rain  had  overthrown  the  tent,  torn  the  sail-cloth 
covering,  and  so  completely  soaked  the  stores  of  provisions  we 
had  left  there  under  shelter,  that  most  of  them  would  have  proved 
perfectly  useless  had  we  not  quickly  placed  them  in  the  sun  to 
dry. 

Fortunately,  the  well-built  pinnace  had  sufi^ered  no  damage, 
although  the  tub-boat  was  so  completely  broken  up,  that  there 
appeared  no  hope  of  its  ever  again  being  fit  for  sea. 

On  a  closer  examination  of  our  stores,  I  noticed  particularly 
that  the  three  powder-casks  that  had  been  left  under  shelter  at 

[301  ] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

the  back  of  the  tent  had  received  considerable  damage.  Two  of 
these  casks  were  entirely  filled  with  water,  and  the  contents  so 
thoroughly  soaked,  that  they  were  obliged  to  be  thrown  away. 
This  heavy  and,  to  us,  irreparable  loss  led  me  at  once  to  consider 
in  what  way  I  could  contrive  some  more  convenient  winter 
quarters,  where  such  disasters  could  not  possibly  occur,  and 
also  that  we  might  be  able  in  future  to  preserve  our  arms  and 
ammunition  from  the  wet  during  the  rainy  season. 

My  first  idea  on  the  subject,  which  was  to  hew  out  a  cave  or  a 
dwelling  in  the  rocks,  seemed,  with  our  limited  strength,  to  be 
impossible,  at  least  so  as  to  have  it  ready  in  less  than  three  or 
four  summers.  Yet  the  longing  for  a  roomy  and  weather-tight 
winter  dwelling  gave  me  no  rest. 

At  last  I  determined  to  try,  as  an  experiment,  to  hew  out  at 
least  a  cellar  to  contain  our  powder-flasks,  that  this  valuable 
treasure  might  for  the  future  be  preserved  from  injury. 

While  the  mother  was  one  morning  busily  engaged  with  her 
spinning,  I  started  from  Falcon's  Nest  with  Fritz  and  Jack,  fully 
determined,  with  the  help  of  the  boys,  to  carry  out  my  intentions. 

We  loaded  ourselves  with  crowbars,  pickaxes,  and  hammers, 
and,  approaching  the  chain  of  rocks,  I  looked  about  for  a  spot 
where  at  least  it  might  be  possible  to  dig  out  a  vault  in  which  to 
stow  away  a  couple  of  powder-flasks. 

At  last  I  made  choice  of  a  spot  where  the  face  of  the  rock  ap- 
peared smooth,  steep,  and  almost  perpendicular,  and  from  the 
top  of  which  could  be  seen  a  most  extensive  view  of  Deliverance 
Bay,  together  with  the  shore  of  the  Jackal  River  to  the  right,  and 
the  end  of  the  chain  of  rocks  to  the  left. 

Upon  this  I  marked  with  charcoal  the  outline  of  an  opening  to 
be  hewn  out  of  the  rock,  and  then  I  and  the  two  boys  undertook 
the  troublesome  office  of  stone-breakers,  only  to  be  performed 
with  the  sweat  of  our  brows. 

On  the  first  day  we  made  so  Httle  progress,  although  we  had 
struggled  against  every  obstacle,  that  I  became  quite  dispirited, 

[302  ] 


ROBINSON 

and  despaired  of  being  able  to  complete  even  a  common  cellar 
before  the  rainy  season  again  arrived.  But  on  the  following  day 
we  set  to  work  with  renewed  vigor,  for  I  began  to  hope  that  the 
hardness  of  the  rock  would  lessen,  as  we  got  deeper  in,  and  be- 
come by  degrees  soft  enough  to  be  broken  by  a  spade. 

We  had  penetrated  into  the  rock  to  a  distance  of  about  seven 
feet,  when  Jack,  who  was  trying  to  bore  a  hole  through  with  a 
large  handspike,  suddenly  cried  out  joyfully: 

"I  am  through,  papa!     I  am  through!" 

"Through!  Through  where?"  I  replied;  "certainly  not 
through  the  whole  mountain  .?" 

"Through  into  the  mountain,  of  course,  papa,"  replied  the 
boy.     "Hurrah!    hurrah!" 

"Indeed,  he  is  right,"  cried  Fritz,  who  had  hastened  to  the 
spot.  "Come  and  see,  papa,  it  is  wonderful!  The  iron  spike 
has  gone  right  through  the  rock  into  an  open  space,  for  I  can  turn 
it  round  and  round  just  as  I  like." 

I  quickly  found  this  worth  my  attention.  I  seized  the  hand- 
spike, and  worked  it  about  in  the  hole  with  such  force,  that  I 
very  soon  made  an  opening  large  enough  for  one  of  the  boys  to 
slip  through.  Most  eagerly  they  wished  to  make  the  attempt, 
but  I  held  them  back,  for  when  I  approached  nearer  to  the  open- 
ing to  look  through,  a  puff  of  foul  air  rushed  into  my  face,  and 
caused  me  to  feel,  for  the  moment,  quite  sick  and  giddy. 

"Listen,  boys,"  I  exclaimed,  as  I  drew  back  hastily  from  the 
aperture;  "do  not  attempt  to  enter  that  dreadful  cave  for  the 
atmosphere  inside  is  deadly." 

Anxiously  they  questioned  me  as  to  the  reason  of  this,  and  I 
then  explained  to  them  that  atmospheric  air  consisted  of  two 
gases,  oxygen  and  nitrogen,  and  that  if  one,  or  part  of  one,  was  re- 
moved, the  air  became  impure  and  unfit  to  be  breathed  by  the 
lungs. 

"Air,"  I  said,  "is  sometimes  full  of  noxious  gases,  which  ren- 
der it  either  combustible,  or  so  heavy,  that  it  quickly  destroys 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

life,  especially  when  it  has  been  confined  for  a  long  time  in  a 
limited  space.  It  then  loses  its  elasticity,  and  persons  who  at- 
tempt to  breathe  it  are  either  suffocated  or  die  instantly." 

"  How  can  you  prove,  papa,  that  the  air  in  this  cave  is  im- 
pure r 

"There  are  many  ways,"  I  replied,  "of  discovering  this,  and 
one  is  by  its  terrible  effects  upon  those  who  breathe  it;  but  the 
simplest  and  safest  is  to  place  fire,  or  a  lighted  candle,  in  the  sus- 
pected air,  and  if  they  continue  to  burn  we  know  it  is  pure  enough 
for  man  to  breathe  it;  but  in  impure  air  fire  and  lights  are  in- 
stantly extinguished.  Now  fetch  a  quantity  of  dried  grass,  and 
we  will  try  the  experiment." 

The  boys  instantly  ran  to  obey,  and  presently  returned  with 
large  handfuls  of  grass  and  moss,  which  I  threw  into  the  opening 
and  set  fire  to  it;  but  in  an  instant  it  was  extinguished,  proving 
at  once  the  air  in  the  cave  to  be  in  the  highest  degree  dangerous. 
We  had  brought  from  the  wreck,  among  other  things,  a  sea-chest 
containing  rockets  and  bomb-shells,  to  be  used  on  board  ship  as 
signals  at  night  or  in  case  of  danger. 

I  fetched  one  of  the  rockets,  and  placed  it  on  a  mortar,  just 
within  the  portal  of  this  nether  world,  in  the  hope  that  by  the  ex- 
plosion the  malignant  air  spirit  might  be  driven  from  the  spot. 

With  a  thrilling  report  the  rocket  flew  like  a  radiant  meteor 
through  the  horrible  atmosphere,  above  the  ground,  to  the  oppo- 
site wall  of  the  rock.  Here  it  rebounded,  sprang  up,  and  burst 
with  a  hollow  sound,  driving  before  it  through  the  opening  a 
stream  of  noxious  air  that  drove  us  back  some  paces.  The  rocket 
also  produced  another  wonderful  effect;  it  whizzed  round  the 
cave  like  a  flaming  dragon,  lighting  the  whole  mighty  circum- 
ference, and  causing  the  wonderfully  beautiful  roof  to  sparkle  and 
glitter,  as  if  by  enchantment. 

After  all  these  experiments  I  waited  for  a  little  while,  and  then 
a  second  time  made  trial  of  the  dried  hay.  A  bundle  was  set  on 
fire  and  thrown  into  the  cave;   it  fell  flaming  on   the  floor,  and 

[  304  ] 


ROBINSON 

continued  burning  till  it  was  all  consumed,  proving  at  once  that 
we  might  safely  venture  to  enter,  without  fear  of  danger, 

I  however  hesitated  to  explore  the  cave  in  darkness,  as  I  could 
not  be  sure  that  water  might  not  have  accumulated  on  the  ground, 
or  that  we  might  stumble  over  something  we  could  not  see.  I 
therefore  at  once  sent  our  active  little  Jack  to  Falcon's  Nest,  that 
he  might  tell  his  mother  the  news  of  our  joyful  discovery,  and 
bring  her  and  his  brothers  back  with  him,  as  well  as  a  number  of 
our  wax  lights,  that  we  might  enter  the  wonderful  vault  together, 
and  find  out  its  extent. 

During  Jack's  absence,  Fritz  and  I  worked  hard  at  the  opening 
to  make  it  broader  and  higher,  and  also  cleared  away  the  broken 
pieces  of  rock,  and  all  the  rubbish,  that  we  might  be  able  to  walk 
into  the  wonderful  grotto  without  difficulty. 

In  about  an  hour  the  mother,  with  Ernest  and  Frank,  arrived 
in  our  Httle  state  carriage,  or,  more  properly  speaking,  our  potato 
cart. 

They  quickly  alighted,  and  we  all  entered  the  grotto,  each 
carrying  a  lighted  wax  candle.  Fritz  also  was  provided  with  a 
tinder-box,  in  case  the  candle  should  go  out;  and  I  led  the  way 
cautiously,  feeling  the  ground  with  my  feet,  and  followed  by  the 
boys  and  their  mother,  rather  fearfully,  in  spite  of  their  curiosity. 
Our  two  dogs  were  also  of  the  party,  yet,  showing  by  their  uneasy, 
timid  manner,  that  they  did  not  quite  approve  of  the  position. 

We  had  not  advanced  very  far  before  the  appearance  of  the 
grotto  startled  us  by  its  wonderful  beauty.  The  candles  we  car- 
ried were  reflected  on  the  walls  in  golden  light  like  the  stars  of 
heaven,  and  the  columns  of  crystal  which  rose  from  the  floor  to 
the  vaulted  roof  sparkled  and  glittered  in  all  the  colors  of  the 
rainbow;  it  was  as  if  we  were  standing  in  the  hall  of  a  king's 
palace,  or  beneath  a  stately  dome  of  magic  enchantment. 

Crystals  also  hung  from  the  roof  in  fantastic  forms,  which 
represented  the  vaulted  arches  of  a  cathedral  or  the  delicate 
tracerv  of  Gothic  architecture. 

[  305  ] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

The  floor  was  covered  with  soft,  firm  sand,  and  it  was  a  satis- 
faction to  me  to  observe  that  it  showed  not  the  least  sign  of  being 
damp,  and  was  therefore  quite  healthful,  even  for  a  sleeping 
residence. 

I  examined  more  closely  the  crystal  tapestry  of  this  wonderful 
grotto,  believing  at  first  that  it  was  a  stalactite  cave,  like  those 
which  are  found  near  our  own  home. 

All  at  once  I  recalled  the  descriptions  I  had  read  of  the  salt- 
mines of  Poland.  I  approached  the  wall,  and  breaking  off  a 
small  piece,  tasted  it  with  the  tip  of  my  tongue,  and  found,  to 
my  unspeakable  joy,  that  we  were  in  a  cavern  of  crystallized 
rock-salt,  which  had  for  its  foundation  gypsum,  over  and  around 
which  the  sparkling  crystal  hung  in  layers  like  a  mantle  or 
covering. 

The  discovery  of  this  salt  pleased  me  greatly,  as  it  would  pro- 
vide us  with  a  never-failing  store  for  ourselves  and  our  catde, 
with  only  the  trouble  of  breaking  it  off,  and  therefore  would  save 
the  fatigue  of  bringing  heavy  loads  from  the  sea-shore. 

On  proceeding  farther  into  the  interior  of  this  cavern,  we  were 
surprised  at  the  singular  and  statue-like  figures  and  shapes  formed 
by  the  masses  of  salt,  either  hanging  from  the  roof  or  projecting 
from  the  walls.  I  noticed,  however,  with  some  anxiety,  that 
pieces  of  the  crystal  had  fallen  in  different  places,  and  I  knew  that 
such  an  accident  would  greatly  endanger  our  safety  if  we  made 
it  a  dwelling,  especially  if  caused  by  damp.  A  nearer  inspection 
showed  me  that  this  was  not  the  case,  as  not  the  least  sign  of 
moisture  appeared  in  the  cavern.  I  came  to  the  conclusion, 
therefore,  that  the  ^plosion  of  the  rocket  had  created  a  con- 
cussion in  the  air,  by  which  a  few  loose  pieces  of  the  crystal  had 
been  broken  off. 

I  however  determined  to  make  another  experiment,  by  firing 
my  gun  loaded  with  ball,  and  while  carefully  watching  for  the  re- 
sult, I  found  that  not  even  a  loose  piece  was  broken  off  by  the 
vibration  of  the  air,  and  felt  convinced   at  once,  not  only  of  the 

[  306  ] 


ROBINSON 


WE   ENTERED 
THE  GROTTO 


ROBINSON 

firmness  of  the  crystal,  but  also  that  this  wonderful  cavern  might 
become  a  most  comfortable  dwelling-place. 

Plan  after  plan  was  proposed  as  the  best  to  maKe  the  beautiful 
cave  useful,  and  all  our  industry  and  inventive  powers  were  ex- 
cited in  this  fresh  opportunity  of  constructing  an  incomparable 
place,  which  would  recompense  us  for  any  exertions. 

It  was  decided  that  Falcon's  Nest  should  still  continue  to  be 
our  summer  residence,  and  our  sleeping-quarters  at  night;  but 
the  whole  day  was  to  be  spent  at  Zeltheim,  while  we  were  so  busily 
at  work  in  preparing  and  fitting  up  our  rock  casde  to  make  it 
habitable  as  a  winter  house. 

Very  little  was  now  done  at  Falcon's  Nest  beyond  what  was 
absolutely  necessary.  In  the  morning  we  attended  to  the  animals, 
and  provided  them  with  food  for  the  day,  while  the  mother  pre- 
pared breakfast,  and  a  store  of  provisions  to  last  till  our  return 
home  in  the  evening,  tired  certainly,  but  still  able  to  enjoy  a  good 
supper  after  our  day's  work. 

The  first  things  to  be  thought  of  in  our  rock  house  were  light 
and  air,  and  for  that  purpose  the  openings  of  a  row  of  windows 
in  front  were  hewn  out  of  the  rock.  The  openings  were  made 
to  suit  the  size  of  the  windows  in  the  officers'  cabins  which  we  had 
brought  from  the  wreck. 

The  entrance  to  the  cave  was  also  made  to  admit  the  door,  now 
fixed  in  the  hollow  tree-trunk  at  Falcon's  Nest,  which  I  deter- 
mined to  remove  to  Zeltheim.  The  opening  in  the  hollow  tree 
which  admitted  us  to  the  winding  stairs  could  be  easily  replaced 
with  bark,  as  most  likely  to  deceive  wild  beasts,  and  render  their 
plundering  propensities  useless,  at  least  for  a  time,  till  we  could 
make  another  door. 

The  immense  space  within  the  cave  made  it  easy  to  divide  it 
into  two  parts.  The  larger  in  front,  into  which  the  door  opened, 
was  to  contain  our  dwelling-room  and  sleeping-chambers  on  the 
right,  and  the  kitchen,  workshop,  and  stables  on  the  left. 

The  smaller  division  behind,  and  so  deep  in   the  cave  that  no 

[309] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

windows  could  be  made  in  it,  I  determined  to  use  as  cellars, 
storehouses  and  magazines;  and  by  degrees  1  hoped  to  supply, 
with  the  help  of  my  boys,  the  necessary  doors  and  openings  in 
the  partition,  as  well  as  other  needful  additions  for  a  comfortable 
dwelling-house. 

The  previous  work  of  nature  had  accomplished  for  us  the  great 
undertaking  of  a  large  building,  with  strong  walls  and  lofty  roof; 
it  remained,  therefore,  for  us  only  to  provide  light  and  air,  and  the 
fitting  up  of  the  interior.  We  applied  ourselves  earnestly  to  the 
work,  and  in  this,  as  well  as  other  undertakings  during  our  stay 
on  this  lonely  coast,  proved  what  can  be  done  by  activity  and 
perseverance. 

At  Zeltheim,  while  engaged  in  this  work,  another  advantage 
presented  itself,  which  had  not  yet  been  made  known  to  us. 

Now  and  then,  on  the  shore,  large  numbers  of  turtles  made  their 
appearance.  They,  however,  were  troublesome  to  capture,  al- 
though we  were  not  sorry  to  be  able  to  obtain  such  delicacies  as 
their  flesh  provided,  as  well  as  the  eggs,  which  we  frequently  found 
in  our  wanderings.  I  now  became  anxious  not  to  lose  more  time 
in  catching  this  delicious  prey,  but,  if  possible,  secure  some  of 
them  alive,  that  they  might  be  ready  for  food  when  required,  as 
well  as  a  certain  supply  of  eggs,  ajid,  perhaps,  after  a  while,  of 
young  turtles. 

For  this  purpose  I  placed  a  rich  bait  within  a  space  surrounded 
by  chains  and  ropes.  When  one  of  these  beautiful  creatures 
approached  the  spot,  it  became  entangled  in  the  fetters,  and  it 
was  easy  for  the  boys,  who  were  on  the  watch,  to  wade  into  the 
water,  draw  it  on  shore,  and  with  my  help,  turn  it  over  on  its 
back,  that  it  might  not  escape. 

I  then  bored  a  hole  in  the  hinder  part  of  the  shell,  passed  one 
end  of  a  long  string  through  the  hole,  tied  it  firmly,  and  fastened 
the  other  end  to  a  post  fixed  near  the  water's  edge.  The  creature 
was  then  turned  over  on  his  feet,  and,  without  a  moment's  pause, 
plunged  into  the  water;    but,  while  he  could  move  about  at  his 

[310I 


ROBINSON 

will,  and  obtain  his  own  nourishment,  as  well  as  enjoy  his  natural 
element,  he  still  remained  on  the  sand,  for  the  string  kept  him 
back  from  leaving  the  shore.  In  this  way  we  succeeded  in  cap- 
turing several  turtles  for  future  use;  but  another  surprise,  of 
equal  value,  awaited  us. 

One  morning,  while  returning  from  Falcon's  Nest  by  the  shores 
of  the  bay,  and  in  haste  to  continue  our  work  in  the  grotto,  we 
were  startled  by  a  most  wonderful  spectacle. 

The  sea  at  some  distance  appeared  to  be  in  a  strange  commo- 
tion, while  the  agitated  and  foaming  waves  sparkled  in  the  early 
morning  light.  Above  this  shining  surface  hovered  numerous 
aquatic  birds  of  every  description  —  the  sea-gull,  the  albatross, 
and  many  others,  their  screams  and  cries  reaching  our  ears  even 
at  such  a  distance. 

Presently  the  feathered  flock,  still  hovering  and  agitated,  dived 
down  to  the  surface  of  the  water,  rose  again,  crossed  one  another's 
paths  as  they  flew,  and  conducted  themselves  so  strangely,  that  we 
could  not  decide  whether  it  was  play  and  amusement,  or  a  battle, 
on  which  we  gazed. 

The  sea  beneath  them  presented  a  most  unusual  sight,  as  the 
morning  sun  rose  and  cast  a  glow  of  rosy  red  over  the  eastern  sky. 
The  foam  sparkled  like  tiny  flames,  and  the  waves,  as  if  moved 
by  living  creatures,  changed  into  a  hundred  diff'erent  appearances 
every  moment. 

The  shining  mass  now  rolled  forward  toward  us  in  a  direct  line 
across  the  Deliverance  Bay,  followed  by  the  flock  of  birds,  while 
we,  with  all  possible  haste  and  curiosity,  quickened  our  steps  tow- 
ard the  shore.  In  our  road,  each  tried  to  account  for  this  un- 
usual sight.  The  mother  supposed  it  to  be  a  moving  sandbank; 
Fritz  laughingly  declared  that  it  must  proceed  from  the  cave  of 
a  submarine  Vulcan;  and  Ernest  believed  the  appearance  to  be 
caused  by  some  frightful  sea-monster  that  was  sporting  in  the 
i  waves. 

As  for  myself,  after  due  consideration,  I  felt  convinced  that  a 

[3"] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

shoal  or  bank  of  herrings  was  approaching  our  shores.  No  sooner 
had  I  stated  this  opinion  than  I  was  overwhelmed  with  a  flood  of 
questions  as  to  what  could  be  a  "herring  bank." 

"A  herring  bank,  or  shoal,"  I  replied,  "is  the  word  used  to  de- 
scribe an  immense  number  of  herrings,  which  swim  together  at 
certain  times  of  the  year,  and  appear  like  a  living  sandbank  in  the 
sea.  These  herrings,  in  their  progress,  attract  a  large  number  of 
great  fish,  such  as  salmon,  jean  doree,  dolphins,  and  the  dog- 
fish, to  follow  them.  To  these  the  herring  is  a  delicious  morsel. 
They  also  attract  hunters  in  the  air,  which  swallow  them  greedily, 
and  are  equally  dangerous  enemies;  those  birds  which  we  saw 
hovering  over  the  crests  of  the  waves,  catch  up  easily  those  little 
fish  which  venture  near  the  surface.  The  herrings,  therefore, 
swim  with  rapidity  and  eager  anxiety  toward  the  nearest  coast  or 
shore,  where  the  water  is  shallow,  and  feel  themselves  at  least  safe 
from  sea-monsters,  for  these  large  fish  require  deeper  water,  es- 
pecially when  hunting  for  prey.  But  they  cannot  escape  from  the 
skilful  means  used  by  man  to  entrap  them,  who  also  consider  the 
arrival  of  these  fish  a  welcome  occurrence,  for  thousands  of  them 
can  be  caught  at  these  periods  with  very  little  trouble.  It  is  said 
that  in  one  year  millions  of  herrings  are  caught  by  man,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  number  which  become  the  prey  of  birds  or  fish;  and 
yet  the  roes  of  only  a  few  herrings  would  contain  eggs  enough  to 
make  up  the  usual  quantity  of  the  shoal  from  year  to  year." 

With  this  and  similar  conversation  we  at  last  reached  Zeltheim, 
and  the  animals  were  scarcely  unharnessed  from  the  cart  before 
the  whole  of  the  immense  shoal  of  herrings  rushed  into  the  bay, 
and  with  such  haste,  that  they  tumbled  one  over  another,  while 
their  shining  scales  sparkled  in  the  sunlight,  and  presented  the 
same  singular  fire-like  appearance  that  we  had  observed  on  the 
distant  sea. 

We  had  no  leisure  time,  however,  to  admire  this  charming  sight, 
while  it  was  necessary  to  catch  as  many  fish  as  possible,  now  we 
had  the  opportunity, 

[312] 


ROBINSON 

I  therefore  made  out  a  list  of  the  duties  to  be  performed  by  each 
of  us  in  this  fishing  business. 

Fritz  was  to  gather  the  fish  in  nets,  and  throw  them  into  baskets 
on  the  shore — easily  done,  on  account  of  the  immense  numbers 
swimming  about;  Ernest  and  Jack  were  to  prepare  and  clean 
them,  while  the  mother  sprinkled  salt  over  each;  and  litde  Frank 
was  to  lend  a  helping  hand 
to  all. 

I  took  upon  myself  the 
task  of  pickling  the  her- 
rings, and  placing  them  in 
casks,  which  required  the 
greatest  carefulness.  I  first 
covered  the  bottom  of  the 
cask  with  salt,  and  then 
placed  the  herrings  in  a  row, 
head  to  tail,  the  long  way  of 
the  cask;  the  second  row  I 
laid  crossways  over  the 
others;  and  so  on,  till  I  had 
piled  them  up  closely  to  the 
top  of  the  cask,  for  I  had 
very  little  room  to  spare. 

As  soon  as  the  barrels 
were  full  I  covered  them 
with  large  leaves  and  a  piece 
of  sail-cloth,  and  upon  this 
placed  pieces  of  timber, 
which  I  kept  down  by  heavy 

stones.  The  barrels  were  then  carried  to  the  cool  vaults  at  the 
back  of  our  rock  house,  to  be  preserved  for  our  use  with  the 
greatest  safety. 

This  work  occupied  quite  four  days,  and  detained  us  entirely  at 
Zeltheim  for  that  time;  yet,  by  working  early  and  late,  we  could 

[3^3] 


THi  SWISS  FAMILY 

Tiot  manage  to  fill  more  than  two  casks  with  pickled  herrings, 
although  there  were  quite  enough  fish  for  seven  or  eight. 

Scarcely  had  this  work  of  catching  and  salting  herrings  been 
completed,  when  other  important  business  presented  itself.  Among 
the  herring-eatins  swarms  that  had  followed  the  shoal  to  our 
shores  I  observed  a  number  of  dog-fish,  who  without  the  least 
shyness  disported  themselves  in  the  water  in  the  most  comical 
manner. 

These  creatures  did  not  appear  likely  to  prove  suitable  for  our 
table,  but  I  knew  that  their  skin  would  provide  us  with  a  supply 
of  leather  useful  for  saddles  and  harness,  as  well  as  fur  for 
clothing. 

Besides  leather,  I  could  also  procure  from  these  animals  a  kind 
of  oil  to  soften  their  own  fur,  and  make  the  skin  flexible  and 
pliant.  It  was  therefore  necessary  to  destroy  them  for  the  sake 
of  these  useful  articles,  although  I  feared  the  flesh  would  prove 
unsuitable  for  food. 

The  skins,  however,  were  drawn  ofi^  with  the  fur  still  on, 
and  the  fat  melted  for  oil,  which  was  then  carefully  placed  in 
a  cask,  to  be  used  in  the  future  for  tanning  and  soap-making, 
as  well  as  to  be  burned  in  the  ship  lanterns  at  night  during 
winter. 

We  used  the  bladder  of  the  dog-fish  for  another  purpose,  and 
that  was  to  obtain  a  storehouse  or  reservoir  for  crabs,  to  which  it 
formed  a  tempting  bait. 

I  found  an  empty  sailor's  chest,  in  the  sides  of  which  I  bored 
holes,  and,  putting  into  it  a  number  of  heavy  stones,  sank  it  to 
the  bottom  of  the  stream;  and  in  this  chest  a  number  of  crabs 
and  lobsters  were  caught  and  secured  by  the  attractive  bait  of 
the  dog-fish's  bladder. 

The  contrivance  obtained  and  preserved  for  us  a  constant  sup- 
ply of  these  shell-fish;  indeed,  the  brook  became  a  complete 
reservoir  for  them,  the  chest  being  secured  to  the  shore  by  a  chain 
fastened  to  a  post.     I  also  formed  another  reservoir  for  herrings, 

[314] 


ROBINSON 

in  which  I  placed  a  number  of  those  wc  had  caught,  and   they 
very  quickly  peopled  our  fish-pond. 

Our  accustomed  work  at  the  cavern  was,  through  all  these  im- 
portant undertakings,  set  aside  for  a  time;  but  we  now  found  it 
necessary  to  continue  the  fitting  up  of  our  rock-castle  home,  lest 
a  change  in  the  weather  should  occur  before  we  expected  it. 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XXIII 

THE    WINTER    HOUSE    IN   THE    GROTTO 

UR  work  in  the  cave  was  still  carried  on  with  great 
vigor,  as  there  remained  still  a  great  deal  to  carry 
out,  and  we  had  so  often  been  interrupted  with  other 
important  duties. 
On  examining  the  cavern  more  attentively,  I  no- 
ticed that  the  crystallized  salt  had  for  its  base  a  species  of 
gypsum.  I  therefore  inspected  the  walls  of  the  innermost  part, 
near  our  powder  store,  and  found  this  mineral  in  large  quantities. 

I  broke  off  several  portions  with  a  pickaxe,  and,  carrying  them 
to  our  fireplace  at  Zeltheim,  made  several  pieces  red  hot  in  the 
fire.  When  these  were  cold,  I  easily  reduced  them  to  powder, 
which,  when  mixed  with  water,  made  a  beautiful  white  plaster. 

My  first  attempt  at  plastering  was  to  cover  the  sides  of  the 
herring-tubs,  to  prevent  the  air  from  penetrating  through  the 
cracks.  The  remaining  four  I  left  untouched,  as  I  wished  to  try 
my  hand  at  smoked  herrings  as  soon  as  possible. 

I  therefore,  with  the  help  of  the  boys,  who  were  always  ready 
for  any  new  experiment,  constructed  a  hut  of  reeds  and  branches 
of  trees  closely  twisted  together,  similar  to  those  built  by  the 
buccaneers  in  America  of  whom  I  had  read. 

Across  the  interior  of  this  hut,  and  very  high  up,  were  placed 
ledges,  in  rows  one  above  another,  and  on  these  the  herrings  were 
laid.  Under  them  we  lighted  a  fire  of  brushwood  and  damp 
moss,  which  threw  out  a  dense  smoke.  The  hut  was  then  closed 
to  make  it  as  much  as  possible  air-tight. 

After  repeating  this  process  for  several  days,  our  herrings  be- 

[316] 


ROBINSON 

came  dry  and  firm,  and  of  a  beautiful  golden-brown  color.    These 
we  gladly  laid  up  in  our  storehouse. 

About  a  month  after  the  arrival  of  the  shoal  of  herrings  some 
very  large  fish  appeared  in  the  bay,  and  were  evidently  making 
their  way  toward  the  river,  that  they  might  deposit  their  spawn 
in  the  fresh  water  between  the  rocks  at  the  entrance.  By  this 
means  the  young  fish  are  able  to  reach  the  sea  with  ease. 

Some  of  these  fish  were  so  large,  that  Jack  imagined  they  were 
young  whales.  I  quickly  showed  him  his  mistake.  We  walked 
to  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  there  beheld  a  number  of  salmon 
and  sturgeon  sporting  in  the  waves,  and  certainly  not  so  easily  to 
be  captured  as  herrings. 

Jack  instantly  ran  back  to  the  cavern,  and  presently  returned 
with  his  bow,  and  arrows  barbed  with  fish-hooks,  and  a  large 
skein  of  pack-thread,  as  well  as  two  bladders  of  the  dog-fish. 

I  watched  him  with  surprise  as  he  fastened  the  bladders  to  one 
end  of  his  arrow,  and  a  long  string  to  the  other.  He  then  fixed 
the  other  end  of  the  string  on  the  shore  under  a  heavy  stone,  and, 
with  a  good  aim,  shot  the  arrow  quickly  from  his  bow  into  the 
body  of  a  large  salmon. 

"Cleverly  hit,  Jack!  Well  done!"  cried  his  brothers,  as  the 
fish  struggled  in  vain  to  escape;  for  the  string  under  the  heavy 
stone  on  the  shore  kept  him  back,  while  the  bladders  obliged  him 
to  float  on  the  surface,  or  otherwise  he  would  have  dived  to  the 
bottom.  This  fish  was,  indeed,  a  prisoner;  and  we  drew  him  to 
shore  and  quickly  put  him  out  of  his  misery. 

This  great  success  roused  us  all  to  make  a  similar  experiment. 

Fritz  went  for  a  harpoon.  I  made  my  appearance  like  Nep- 
tune with  his  trident,  or,  properly  speaking,  a  hay-fork.  Ernest 
provided  himself  with  large  fishing-hooks  and  a  line,  and  our 
fishing  performances  began  again  with  great  energy. 

Jack  again  tried  his  bow  and  arrow,  but  with  less  success;  two 
of  his  shots  failed;  and  although  the  third  wounded  another 
salmon,  he  had  great  difficulty  in  bringing  it  on  shore. 

[3^7] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

Ernest  baited  his  hook  with  some  tempting  morsel,  and  threw 
his  Hne,  hoping  to  get  a  bite  from  one  of  the  visitors;  and  when 
that  occurred,  he  had  to  call  his  mother  and  Frank  to  assist  him 
to  haul  it  on  shore. 

I  struck  two  of  the  creatures,  but  I  had  to  struggle  through 
deep  water  to  secure  them.  At  last,  with  his  harpoon,  Fritz  fixed 
a  sturgeon  of  an  enormous  size.  Struck  in  the  back  of  the  head, 
the  monster  struggled  violently,  and  threw  the  water  over  us  in 
showers.  Fritz  was  obliged  to  let  out  all  the  string,  and  I  had  to 
fetch  another  harpoon,  to  prevent  him  from  escaping;  and  by 
degrees  we  drew  him  into  shallow  water.  Even  then  we  were 
obliged  to  throw  a  noose  around  his  neck  before  he  could  be 
landed. 

After  resting  awhile  from  these  exertions,  we  commenced  clean- 
ing and  cutting  up  the  fish  into  pieces  to  be  salted,  excepting  a 
portion  of  the  salmon,  which  I  gave  to  my  wife  to  be  cooked  for 
our  dinner,  and  advised  her  to  boil  it  with  a  little  of  its  own  oil 
in  water,  as  they  cook  the  tunny-fish  in  the  Mediterranean. 

"We  have  such  a  large  supply  of  fish  now,"  said  my  wife,  "that 
I  think  it  would  be  advisable  to  throw  away  the  roes,  the  fins, 
and  the  tails,  as  well  as  the  bladders,  for  they  make  our  dishes 
and  the  place  smell  so  unpleasantly." 

"Impossible,  my  dear!"  I  replied,  with  a  grave  face;  "from  the 
roes  of  the  sturgeon  is  prepared  that  delicate  dish  named  by  the 
Russians  'caviare,'  and  the  most  excellent  glue  can  be  made  from 
the  bladder,  and  those  other  parts  you  object  to." 

My  wife  shook  her  head  at  this  information,  but  as  I  knew  she 
was  right  about  the  unpleasant  smell,  I  at  once  set  to  work,  that 
these  materials  might  be  got  rid  of  quickly. 

The  sturgeon's  roe,  which  weighed  about  thirty  pounds,  was 
cleaned  and  rinsed  several  times,  to  remove  from  it  the  saltwater, 
and  while  boiling,  the  scum  of  brine  was  carefully  skimmed  off, 
till  not  a  particle  remained.  The  whole  mass  was  then  placed 
into  a  gourd-shell  sieve  with  holes,  till  the  water  was  pressed  en- 

[318] 


ROBINSON 


DREW   HIM   INTO 
SHALLOW  WATER 


ROBINSON 

tirely  from  it  and  then  left  for  twenty-four  hours.  It  was  after- 
ward removed  from  the  calabash  mould,  and  mixed  with  a  kind  of 
cheese,  made  with  goat's  milk.  It  only  now  required  to  be  smoked 
in  the  hut,  and  then  removed  to  our  storehouse  in  the  rock,  to  be 
preserved  as  a  pleasant  and  nourishing  food  for  us  during  the 
winter. 

The  fish-bladders  next  required  my  attention,  as  they  needed  to 
be  separated  from  the  fleshy  parts,  and  also  cleaned  with  fresh 
water.  This  done,  I  cut  them  into  long  strips,  and  after  tying  a 
string  to  each  end,  stretched  them  in  the  sun  to  dry  and  become 
smooth. 

The  preparation  of  the  fins  and  tails  was  really  tedious;  they 
had  to  be  skinned,  cleaned,  and  boiled,  till  they  were  changed 
into  a  perfect  jelly,  which,  after  becoming  firm,  when  cool,  was 
thrown  into  a  clean  flask,  and  when  thoroughly  dried  in  the  sun, 
and  quite  hard,  was  cut  into  strips  and  laid  by  for  use.  By  this 
process  we  obtained  a  supply  of  really  useful  glue,  which  I  hoped, 
when  clarified,  would  not  only  serve  to  stick  articles  together 
firmly,  but  also  to  form  a  semi-transparent  substance  to  use  for 
window-panes  instead  of  glass. 

These  undertakings  being  accomplished,  I  was  able  to  examine 
my  wife's  kitchen  garden  at  Zeltheim.  It  appeared  in  a  most 
flourishing  condition,  and  likely  to  supply  us  with  vegetables  of 
all  kinds,  and  of  most  excellent  flavor,  with  very  litde  trouble. 
It  was  also  agreeable  to  discover  that  the  plants  in  this  climate 
had  no  particular  or  fixed  period  of  the  year  for  becoming  ripe, 
but  that,  during  the  whole  summer,  peas,  beans,  and  other  agree- 
able vegetables  continued  to  grow  and  ripen.  The  moisture 
caused  by  the  heavy  rains  had  no  doubt  produced  this  result,  as 
well  as  the  supply  of  water  which  had  been  brought  from  the 
Jackal  River  by  our  sago  palm-tree  pipes.  For  this  Httle  trouble, 
therefore,  we  had  been  richly  repaid. 

Besides  kitchen  vegetables  of  all  kinds,  our  garden  contained 
cucumbers,  gherkins,  melons,  as  well  as  a  quantity  of  Indian  corn 

[321  ] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

or  maize,  in  great  abundance.  At  a  little  distance  from  the  gar- 
den was  a  sugar-cane  plantation  in  a  flourishing  condition;  and 
the  anana-roots  we  had  brought  from  the  mountain  ridge,  and 
transplanted  in  good  soil  close  by,  promised  to  provide  us  in  the 
future  with  a  splendid  store  of  this  incomparable  fruit. 

The  universal  success  of  the  plants  near  Zeltheim  filled  me  with 
a  pleasing  hope  that  another  experiment  we  had  made  at  Falcon';; 
Nest  would  be  equally  successful,  and  one  morning  we  started, 
full  of  spirits,  from  Zeltheim,  to  visit  the  spot. 

On  our  way  to  Falcon's  Nest  we  passed  a  large  field,  in  which 
the  mother  had  sown  a  whole  bushel  of  European  corn,  after  the 
potatoes  had  been  dug  up. 

Here  we  found  seeds  of  all  descriptions  growing  into  plants, 
and  some  quite  ripe.  In  one  part  was  barley,  in  another  wheat; 
farther  on  we  saw  rye,  peas,  millet,  and  field-beans,  in  such 
profusion,  that,  in  the  highest  state  of  wonder,  I  asked  the 
mother  where  she  had  found  so  many  and  such  a  variety  of 
seeds. 

"I  brought  them  from  the  wreck  when  we  first  left  it,"  she  re- 
plied, "and  I  have  still  some  remaining;  but  after  our  first  har- 
vest, I  expect  we  shall  not  need  them." 

"  I  think  the  harvest  of  that  maize-field  3^onder  has  commenced 
already,"  I  replied;  "and  the  reapers  are  there,  in  the  shape  of 
unbidden  guests  who  are  committing  robbery." 

While  saying  this,  I  led  the  way  to  the  field,  followed  by  the 
rest. 

As  we  approached  nearer,  we  heard  a  sudden  flapping  of  rush- 
ing wings,  and  at  the  same  moment  about  half  a  dozen  Canadian 
fowl,  who  had  evidently  been  enjoying  themselves,  rose  in  the 
air  and  took  to  flight.  Our  dogs,  who  at  once  began  to  display 
their  hunting  propensities,  were  almost  startled  by  the  strange 
cries  of  an  immense  flock  of  smaller  birds,  who  rose  at  once  in 
the  air,  having  been  evidently  warned  by  others  of  the  same 
species,  which  appeared    to  act  as  sentinels.      I  had  seen   these 

[322] 


ROBINSON 

little  creatures  running  along  the  ground,  but  they  also  now  took 
flight  with  the  rest. 

At  last,  to  complete  the  number  of  unbidden  guests,  two  kan- 
garoos sprang  on  the  field,  who,  with  tremendous  leaps,  tried  to 
escape  in  safety  from  our  dogs,  which  they  readily  succeeded  in 
doing. 

Fritz,  however,  had  been  on  the  alert  the  moment  he  saw  the 
Canadian  fowls,  and  without  delay  released  his  eagle,  which  he 
always  carried  behind  him  perched  on  his  game-bag.  He  un- 
covered the  bird's  eyes,  and  threw  him  aloft  from  his  fist  after 
one  of  the  fugitives. 

He  then  sprang  quickly  on  the  back  of  the  onager,  and  followed 
his  pupil  with  the  swiftness  of  an  arrow.  We  watched  this  per- 
formance in  the  air  with  the  greatest  curiosity.  The  eagle  was 
not  long  in  discovering  his  prey,  and  flew  over  it  at  a  great  height, 
as  if  he  threatened  to  pounce  down  upon  the  bird  at  once. 

The  Canadian  fowl  no  sooner  caught  sight  of  his  enemy,  than 
he  shrank  from  him  in  terror,  and  tried  to  avoid  the  thrust  by 
various  movements — drew  himself  together,  stretched  himself  out, 
and  at  last  sank  to  the  earth,  terrified  at  the  fierce  eyes  and 
frightful  claws  of  his  enemy. 

This  loss  of  courage  would  have  been  fatal  to  the  Canadian 
fowl,  for  the  eagle  pounced  upon  him  in  a  moment,  as  he  was 
sinking  earthward,  and,  seizing  the  poor  creature  with  his  claws, 
would  no  doubt  have  made  an  end  of  him.  But  Fritz  was  close 
at  hand,  and  springing  among  the  bushes,  freed  the  claws  of  the 
eagle  from  the  bird's  feathers,  and  covered  his  eyes  with  the  hood; 
then,  after  tying  the  Canadian  fowl's  legs  together,  and  covering 
him  with  a  piece  of  canvas,  he  seated  the  eagle  again  on  his  game- 
bag,  and  presented  himself  to  us  triumphantly. 

Jack  alone  remained  behind,  with  his  young  jackal,  to  try  his 
skill  as  a  hunter.  He  had  noticed  that  a  few  of  the  birds  with 
sentinels,  which  were  evidently  quails,  still  remained  in  the  field. 
The  jackal,  at  the  command  of  his  master,  sprang  in  among  them, 

[323  ] 


Xas  SWISS  FAMILY 

and  brought  out  about  a  dozen  to  the  delighted  Jack,  by  the  wings. 

On  our  return  with  the  captive  Canadian  fowl,  the  youngster 
met  us,  and  proudly  showed  us  the  result  of  his  instruction  to  the 
jackal.  He  received  hosts  of  congratulations;  but  we  were 
thirsty  and  exhausted,  and  therefore  anxiously  turned  our  steps 
toward  Falcon's  Nest. 

On  arriving  there,  and  complaining  of  the  heat  and  our  thirsty 
condition,  the  mother  offered  us  a  new  and  most  refreshing  drink, 
which  she  had  prepared  from  Indian  corn,  which,  after  being 
crushed  and  diluted  with  water  to  clean  it,  was  strained  through  a 
sieve,  and  sweetened  with  the  juice  of  a  sugar-cane.  This  drink 
was  refreshing,  and  as  agreeable  and  nourishing  as  milk.  The 
rest  of  the  day  we  employed  in  shelling  and  laying  by  the  seeds  we 
had  brought  with  us,  and  also  made  the  necessary  arrangements 
to  start  on  the  next  morning  at  daybreak  to  carry  out  a  new 
undertaking. 

We  chose  especially  a  Canadian  cock  and  two  hens,  which  we 
intended  should  establish  a  colony  in  the  wilderness,  and  increase 
in  numbers,  and  seek  their  supply  of  food  for  themselves.  I  de- 
cided also  to  take  four  of  the  little  pigs,  and  two  pairs  of  goats 
for  the  number  of  our  flocks  and  herds  had  already  become  very 
considerable,  and  how  to  procure  food  for  them  all  was  a  cause 
of  no  little  anxiety. 

In  the  morning,  after  packing  our  wagon,  supplying  our  do- 
mestic animals  wnth  sufficient  food  and  water,  as  well  as  providing 
ourselves  with  arms  and  ammunition,  we  started  from  Falcon's 
Nest.  The  cow,  the  buffalo,  and  old  Grizzle  were  the  beasts  of 
burden;  Fritz,  on  the  now  tame  onager,  rode  foremost  as  a  brave 
outrider,  to  discover  if  the  way  was  clear,  and  no  danger  pre- 
sented itself. 

We  struck  again  upon  a  new  path,  between  the  strand  and  the 
river,  and  presently  found  ourselves  in  the  region  which  stretches 
from  Falcon's  Nest  to  the  great  bay,  and  the  place  we  named 
afterward  our  watch-tower,  on  the  hill  at  False  Hope  Point. 

[324] 


ROBINSON 

By-and-by  we  found  no  litde  difficulty  in  passing  through  the 
high  grass  and  reaching  the  wood  beyond  it.  But  here  also  a 
number  of  trailing  plants,  and  an  overgrowth  of  brushwood,  hin- 
dered our  steps;  it  was  necessary,  therefore,  to  take  another  road, 
or  cut  our  way  through  with  axe  and  hatchet. 

This  difficult  march,  however,  came  to  an  end  at  last,  and  we 
reached  the  opposite  edge  of  the  wood,  and  saw  before  us  an  open 
plain,  on  which  grew  a  number  of  small  bushes,  presenting  a 
most  striking  appearance.  Little  Frank,  who  was  the  first  to 
notice  this,  presently  exclaimed: 

"Oh,  mamma,  how  pretty!  look,  it  has  been  snowing!  It  is 
real  winter  here,  and  not  at  all  like  the  ugly  rain  we  have 
had." 

I  was  not  surprised  at  the  child's  mistake,  for  most  certainly 
there  lay  scattered  on  the  bushes  and  on  the  ground  a  white, 
woolly  substance,  that  glistened  like  snow  flakes.  I  was  about 
to  express  my  opinion,  when  the  quick  and  inquiring  mind  of 
Fritz  made  him  assert  as  a  fact  what  I  only  conjectured,  that  these 
bushes  were  a  kind  of  dwarf  cotton-tree.  They  certainly  bore  a 
kind  of  wool,  which  grew  in  boles  or  pods,  like  the  wool  of  the 
cotton-tree,  and  this  welcome  plant  we  had  now  discovered  in  our 
travels.  The  downy  contents  of  these  pods  we  longed  to  possess, 
for  quite  a  bushel  of  fine,  soft  wool  lay  in  every  direction,  either 
scattered  on  the  ground  like  the  round  snowballs  in  our  gardens 
at  home,  or  still  enclosed  in  the  pods,  and  hanging  on  the  green 
stems  of  the  bushes. 

The  joy  expressed  on  this  discovery  was  loud  and  universal, 
particularly  by  the  mother,  who  was  in  ecstasies  over  the  number 
of  articles  with  which  this  wool  would  supply  us,  if  I  could  only 
manage  to  make  a  spinning-wheel  and  weaving-machine  for  her. 

Wliile  we  were  conversing  on  the  possibility  of  my  success  in 
such  an  attempt,  the  boys  were  gathering  up  and  plucking  quanti- 
ties of  the  wool,  till  all  our  sacks  were  full;  but  my  wife  eagerly 
filit-d  her  pocket  with  seeds,  in  the  hope  that,  if  sown  at  Zeltheim, 

[  Z'2-S  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

we  should  be  as  successful  in  raising  this  useful  plant  as  we  had 
been  with  former  grain. 

After  walking  onward  for  a  short  time,  we  arrived  at  the  foot  of 
a  little  hill,  up  which  we  climbed,  and  from  the  top  discovered  a 
most  delightful  prospect.  Trees  of  every  kind  decked  the  hill- 
sides, and  beneath  flowed  a  clear  rivulet,  which  in  a  verdant  plain, 
evidently  fertilized  by  it,  was  lost  to  our  view. 

After  descending  the  hill,  my  proposal  to  establish  our  farm  on 
this  fertile  plain  received  universal  approval.  The  tent  was,  there- 
fore, quickly  raised,  and  large  stones  collected  to  form  a  fireplace, 
that  dinner  might  be  prepared.  After  a  refreshing  meal  and  rest, 
I  decided  that  it  would  be  necessary  to  employ  the  remainder  of 
the  day  in  the  work  that  appeared  the  most  urgent. 

My  wife  and  the  boys  took  the  trouble  of  separating  and  clean- 
ing enough  of  the  cotton  wool  to  fill  our  pillow-cases,  that  we 
might  have  soft  pillows  for  our  heads  at  night.  I  employed  my- 
self in  searching  the  neighborhood  for  a  suitable  place  in  which 
to  build  our  farm-house. 

At  a  little  distance  I  came  upon  a  group  of  trees,  standing  at 
such  convenient  spaces  from  each  other,  that  I  decided  immedi- 
ately to  make  the  trunks  of  these  trees  the  chief  supports  of  our 
house. 

After  relating  my  success,  we  all  retired  early  to  rest  in  the  tent, 
to  gain  strength  for  our  work  on  the  following  morning,  when  I 
had  arranged  that  the  building  of  our  farm  should  commence. 
The  trees  I  had  chosen  stood  in  the  form  of  a  parallelogram,  or 
long-sided  square.  The  longest  side,  facing  the  sea,  consisted 
of  three  trees  one  at  each  corner,  and  one  in  the  centre.  Inside 
the  trunks  of  these  trees,  at  about  ten  feet  from  the  ground,  I 
cut  notches,  as  also  in  the  three  at  the  back,  which  grew  almost 
opposite. 

The  notches,  however,  in  these,  were  only  eight  feet  high,  as  I 
intended  to  place  beams  across  in  a  sloping  position,  from  front  to 
back,  to  form  a  roof.     These  beams  were  not  more  than  five  inches 

[3^6] 


ROBINSON 

thick,  and  were  fastened  firmly  with  nails  to  the  trees  at  the  side. 
Across  from  tree  to  tree  thin  laths  were  placed  to  form  the  walls, 
and  then  fixed  firmly  to  the  cross  beams  above  with  wooden  pegs; 
and  when  this  was  completed,  the  walls  of  our  building  looked 
like  huge  p;ridirons. 

To  make  the  roof  secure,  we  covered  it  with  pieces  of  bark 
already  dried  in  the  sun,  in  the  form  of  tiles,  and,  fitting  one  over 
the  other,  these  were  firmly  nailed  to  the  beams  on  which  they 
rested. 

While  clearing  up  the  rubbish  and  the  broken  pieces  of  bark 
we  had  used,  I  noticed  a  peculiar  smell,  and  took  up  one  or  two 
of  the  chips  to  examine  them.  I  then  discovered  that  they  were 
pieces  of  the  bark  of  the  terebinth-tree,  and  contained  turpentine. 
I  hoped,  therefore,  to  make  even  these  broken  pieces  of  still  greater 
use  than  merely  supplying  us  with  fuel. 

The  acacia  species,  or  mimosa-tree,  which  we  found  at  a  little 
distance,  had  thorny  branches,  and  these  thorns  were  very  use- 
ful to  us  as  nails. 

We  had  to  thank  the  goats  for  the  next  wonderful  discovery, 
which  was  indeed  welcome.  They  were  seen  to  scrape  among  the 
fallen  bark  chips  for  certain  pieces,  which  they  evidently  consid- 
ered as  delicious  morsels,  for  they  devoured  them  greedily.  The 
boys,  whose  curiosity  was  excited  in  the  highest  degree  by  the 
performance  of  the  goats,  took  up  pieces  of  the  bark  and  tasted 
them.  So  aromatic  and  delicious  was  the  flavor,  that  Fritz  at 
once  pronounced  the  bark  to  be  cinnamon. 

During  our  midday  meal,  the  boys  made  many  inquiries  re- 
specting these  new  discoveries,  turpentine  and  cinnamon;  they 
could  think  of  nothing  else. 

Respecting  the  first  two,  I  explained  that  turpentine  and  tar 
could  be  produced  from  the  fir-tree,  and  this  fact  was  known  by 
the  ancient  Greeks,  and  from  them  it  came  to  Venice,  and  is  now 
an  article  of  valuable  commerce,  especially  with  Norway,  in  which 
are  large  forests  of  firs.      Tar,  when  mixed  with  train  oil,  forms 

[327] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

pitch,  which  is  also  very  useful;  and  when  fat  is  added,  it  makes 
a  kind  of  grease  for  carriage  and  cart  wheels. 

"We  shall  now  be  able  to  prepare  pitch  for  our  yacht,"  I  said, 
"which  will  be  a  great  improvement  on  caoutchouc,  and  render 
it  stronger  and  firmer.  The  terebinth-tree  exudes  a  kind  of  gum, 
in  some  cases  naturally,  but  in  others  from  incisions  in  the  bark. 
This  gum,  as  it  runs  forth,  hardens  in  the  sun,  and  becomes  as 
transparent  as  amber.  It  is  used  when  burnt  as  a  perfume,  and 
if  dissolved  in  spirits  of  wine,  forms  a  beautiful  transparent  var- 
nish for  porcelain,  china,  and  glass. 

"Cinnamon,"  I  continued,  "is  the  bark  of  the  cinnamon-tree; 
the  best  comes  from  the  island  of  Ceylon.  The  young  trees  are 
chosen,  because  the  coarse  outer  bark  can  be  easily  removed, 
leaving  a  fine  inner  layer  of  the  cinnamon,  which  is  peeled  off,  and 
after  being  dried  in  the  sun,  is  cut  into  strips  of  various  lengths 
and  rolled  together  in  parcels. 

"  These  parcels  are  most  carefully  sewn  in  pockets  containing 
cotton-wool,  the  pockets  are  wrapped  in  matting,  and  at  last  the 
whole  is  tied  up  in  ox-hides,  which  by  the  sun  or  by  fire  have 
dried  till  they  are  as  hard  as  horn;  they  are  then  sent  on  board 
ship.  By  these  means  the  contents  are  not  only  secured  from 
plunder,  but  also  from  the  possibility  of  losing  their  aromatic 
flavor." 

After  dinner  we  again  proceeded  to  the  building  of  the  farm- 
house, which  I  knew  would  require  many  industrious  days  before 
it  was  completed.  On  this  afternoon  we  commenced  covering 
the  walls  with  a  kind  of  latticework  of  creeping  plants,  twisted  to- 
gether as  closely  as  possible,  to  the  height  of  about  five  feet. 

The  open  part  above  to  the  roof  was  only  partly  covered 
with  laths,  also  in  a  kind  of  latticework,  leaving  large  spaces 
between  for  air  and  light,  and  also  to  enable  us  to  look  out  con- 
veniently. The  interior  was  fitted  up  as  much  in  accordance 
with  my  intention  as  could  be  managed  without  much  outlay 
of  wood. 

[328] 


'-•^•^'Km 


ROBINSON 

A  partition,  the  length  of  the  building  from  front  to  back,  di- 
vided the  interior  into  two  unequal  parts.  The  larger  contained 
the  principal  entrance-door  to  the  cattle-stalls;  the  smaller  was 
to  form  sleeping-apartments  for  ourselves  whenever  we  paid  a  visit 
to  the  farm. 

Within  the  larger  partition  we  erected  a  smaller  one,  with 
wooden  palings,  so  arranged  that,  while  the  poultry  could  easily 
slip  through  to  the  principal  door,  the  animals  were  quite  sepa- 
rated, and  unable  to  intrude  upon  them. 

In  both  places  we  made  proper  troughs  for  their  food,  and 
between  the  cattle-stalls  and  our  sleeping-chamber  a  secure  door 
was  placed.  In  a  comparatively  short  time  we  had  the  whole 
dwelling  most  com- 
fortably arranged; 
for,  although  not  very 
beautiful  in  outward 
appearance,  yet  it 
was  quite  enough  for 
us  to  feel  sure  that 
we  had  made  a  real- 
ly good  shelter  for 
the  sheep,  goats,  and 
fowls. 

And  in  order  to 
accustom  them  to  the 
new  home,  we  took 
care  to  fill  the  feed- 
ing-troughs daily  not  only  with  their  usual  food,  but  also  with 
salt  and  other  favorite  provender,  both  morning  and  evening.- 
This  plan  so  attracted  the  colonists  to  their  new  stalls,  that  they 
became  quite  accustomed  to  the  place,  and  lost  all  inclination 
to  run  away. 

I  had  calculated  that   this    undertaking  would  most  likely  be 
finished  in  three  or  four  days,  but  it  took  us  more  than  a  week, 

[  329  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

and  our  stock  of  provisions  was  by  the  end  of  that  time  nearly 
exhausted.  As  I  did  not  wish  to  leave  our  new  establishment 
until  it  was  quite  completed,  I  sent  Fritz  and  Jack  to  Falcon's 
Nest  to  obtain  a  fresh  supply  of  necessary  provisions. 

The  animals  and  poultry  at  Falconhurst  would  also  need  more 
fodder,  and  I  desired  the  boys  to  give  them  enough  to  last  for  ten 
or  twelve  days.  The  two  messengers  took  with  them  the  ass  to 
draw  the  cart,  containing  string  and  bags,  in  which  to  pack  all  the 
store  of  provisions  they  could  find,  and  the  onager  and  buffalo 
were  the  riding-horses.  They  started  full  of  spirits,  and,  with  a 
slight  touch  of  the  whip,  induced  our  old  Grizzle  to  follow  them 
at  a  good  trot. 

During  their  absence  I  set  out,  with  Ernest,  to  explore  the  sur- 
rounding country,  not  so  much  with  the  intention  of  finding  po- 
tatoes and  cocoanuts,  as  from  a  wish  to  become  better  acquainted 
with  it.  At  a  very  short  distance  from  our  new  farm  we  came 
upon  a  little  brook,  which  flowed  toward  the  wail  of  rocks,  and 
found  ourselves  in  a  road  we  already  knew. 

After  a  while,  however,  we  reached  a  large  marsh,  which  bor- 
dered a  beautifully  situated  little  lake.  As  we  walked  round  the 
marsh,  I  noticed  with  joyful  surprise  that  it  was  covered  with  the 
rice-plant,  evidently  growing  wild  in  great  luxuriance.  Some  of 
the  bushes  appeared  to  be  young  shoots,  and  the  rice  upon  them 
but  half  ripe. 

Here  and  there  I  perceived  fully-grown  plants,  covered  with 
seeds,  to  which  a  large  number  of  greedy  birds  had  been  attracted. 
On  our  approach  they  flew  away  with  rushing  wings,  and  we  fired 
at  four  or  five  Canadian  fowls,  but  it  would  have  been  impossible 
to  secure  even  the  one  that  fell  had  not  the  young  jackal  rushed 
in  among  the  rice-plants  and  brought  it  to  us. 

On  proceeding  farther,  Master  Nip  made  a  welcome  discovery 
for  us.  As  usual,  he  accompanied  us  with  his  little  basket  on  his 
back,  and  riding  on  his  strong  patroness,  Floss.  Suddenly  he 
sprang  from  his  nag,  and  rushed  forward  on  all  fours  to  a  green 

[330] 


R  OB  I  N  S  O  N 

bank  at  a  little  distance,  and  commenced  plucking  something  and 
devouring  it  with  great  enjoyment, 

Ernest  and  I  followed  him,  and  quickly  recognized,  in  the 
wholesome  and  tempting  fruit  he  was  eating,  beautiful  and  sweet 
strawberries.  We  at  once  seated  ourselves  on  the  ground,  and 
refreshed  our  parched  lips  with  the  delicious  fruit.  Some  of  the 
berries  were  as  large  as  my  thumb,  and  not  only  quite  ripe,  but 
with  an  aromatic  flavor  that  resembled  the  anana  or  pineapple. 

I  thought,  while  regaling  ourselves,  of  the  dear  ones  at  home, 
and  we  gathered  enough  to  fill  Nip's  basket  to  the  very  top.  It 
was  then  covered  with  large  leaves,  and  over  all  a  clean  cloth 
carefully  tied,  for  I  feared  that  if  Master  Nip  found  the  basket  too 
heavy  he  might  be  inclined  to  eat  some,  to  lessen  his  load,  if  it 
were  not  closely  covered. 

I  did  not  forget,  also,  to  carry  with  me  a  few  specimens  of  the 
ripe  rice-seeds  for  the  mother,  so  that  she  might  ascertain  as 
quickly  as  possible,  by  her  cooking  skill,  whether  we  had  made  a 
useful  discovery. 

Continuing  our  walk,  we  presently  came  to  the  spot  where  the 
marsh  was  transformed  into  a  tiny  lake,  which  we  had  already  so 
much  admired  from  a  distance.  Our  delight  was  now  greatly 
increased  by  the  appearance  of  a  number  of  beautiful  coal-black 
swans,  which  were  gliding  in  stately  tranquillity  on  the  lake,  their 
elegant  forms  mirrored  in  the  dark-blue  waters. 

The  sight  was  so  charming,  that  I  would  not,  by  any  hunting 
propensities,  have  attempted  to  disturb  its  serenity;  but  our  war- 
like companion  Floss  had  no  such  generous  feelings.  The  dog 
had  noticed  a  strange  movement  in  the  water.  She  sprang  in, 
and  quickly  reappeared,  dragging  to  the  shore  a  singular  creature 
like  a  fish,  which  she  had  killed,  and  would  have  devoured  had  I 
not  ran  hastily  to  save  it. 

The  curious  animal  puzzled  me.  It  was  web-footed,  had  the 
tail  of  a  fish  and  a  head  proportionate  to  its  body,  which  was 
covered  with  long  hair- like  fur,  and  had  eyes  and  ears  so  small 

[33^^] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

as  to  appear  as  if  formed  for  concealment.  But  the  most  remark- 
able feature  of  the  animal  was  a  duck's  beak  on  its  snout. 

These  unheard-of  combinations  in  one  creature  were  in  appear- 
ance so  ridiculous,  that  we  laughed  heartily;  yet,  while  I  exam- 
ined the  animal,  I  could  not  possibly  decide  to  what  genus  it  be- 
longed. I  came  to  the  conclusion  at  last  to  give  it  the  name  of 
"the  beast  with  a  bill."  Ernest,  however,  was  very  anxious  to 
take  home  this  remarkable  animal,  and  have  it  stuffed,  to  be  pre- 
served as  a  curiosity.^ 

Laden  with  such  booty,  we  now  turned  our  steps  back  again  to 
the  newly-established  farm;  and  in  less  than  a  quarter  of  an  hour 
after  our  arrival,  Fritz  and  Jack,  approaching  at  a  sharp  trot,  re- 
turned from  their  errand  to  Falcon's  Nest.  They  brought  us  a 
good  report  of  the  animals,  as  well  as  proofs  that  they  had  truly 
obeyed  my  orders. 

I  remarked  also  with  satisfaction  that  the  boys  had  not  only 
carried  out  my  precise  commissions  intelligently,  but  also  brought 
with  them  many  other  articles  which  they  considered  would  be 
useful  in  completing  my  plans  and  intentions. 

On  the  following  morning,  after  supplying  the  sheep,  goats, 
and  poultry,  which  we  intended  to  leave  behind,  with  sufficient 
fodder,  we  departed  from  the  new  farm,  which  had  been  named 
Wood  Grange,  and  took  the  road  to  the  promontory  of  False 
Hope. 

After  walking  for  a  short  distance,  we  reached  a  wood,  in  which 
an  enormous  number  of  apes  received  us  with  unearthly  cries,  and 
pelted  us  with  a  hail-storm  of  pine-cones;  and  it  was  only  by  firing 
our  guns,  loaded  with  small  shot,  into  the  air,  that  we  could  dis- 
perse our  assailants. 

Fritz  picked  up  one  of  the  cones  with  which  the  apes  had 
attacked  us,  and  showed  it  to  me.  I  was  glad  to  recognize  in  it 
the  cone  of  a  pine-fir  that  produces  a  most   agreeable  oil  when 

'This  creature  was  no  doubt  the  aquatic  animal  named  the  "duck-billed 
platypus." 

[  3>?>^  ] 


ROBINSON 

pressed,  and  appeared  so  likely  to  be  useful  to  us,  that  I  desired 
the  boys  to  gather  up  as  many  as  possible. 

As  soon  as  a  large  store  had  been  collected,  we  departed  with- 
out delay  from  the  wood  of  apes  and  fir-trees,  and  arrived  in  a 
short  time  near  the  promontory  of  False  Hope.  When  we  emerged 
from  the  wood,  I  had  noticed  at  a  short  distance  a  rising  ground, 
from  the  summit  of  which  I  felt  sure  we  should  discover  a  de- 
lightful prospect;  and  on  reaching  the  foot,  I  at  once  proposed 
that  we  should  climb  the  steep  ascent. 

On  arriving  at  the  top,  I  found  my  expectations  more  than 
realized,  so  beautiful  was  the  country  that  lay  stretched  out  be- 
fore our  eyes  in  every  direction.  I  at  once  decided  to  make  also 
here  another  establishment;  as  soon,  therefore,  as  we  had  rested 
for  a  short  time,  we  commenced  erecting  a  little  cottage,  or  sum- 
mer-house on  the  brow  of  the  hill. 

This  work  was  far  easier  to  us  now,  in  consequence  of  our 
practice  and  experience  at  Wood  Grange;  and  it  proceeded  so 
rapidly,  that  in  six  days  the  cottage  was  finished.  We  gave  to 
this  new  settlement,  at  Ernest's  suggestion,  the  high-sounding 
title  of  Prospect  Hill. 

But  this  expedition  had  been  undertaken  by  me  principally  that 
I  might  search  for  a  tree  with  a  light,  strong,  yet  flexible  bark, 
suitable  to  make  a  small  boat.  Hitherto  my  search  had  been 
fruitless,  but,  in  spite  of  this,  my  hopes  of  finding  the  right  tree 
were  not  lost. 

As  soon,  therefore,  as  the  cottage  was  completed,  the  boys  and 
I  commenced  our  search  in  the  surrounding  neighborhood. 
After  trying  the  bark  of  many  trees  merely  with  my  hand,  we  dis- 
covered tw^o  tall,  fine  trees,  resembling  oaks,  with  trunks  rising  to 
a  great  height  before  any  branches  sprang  from  them. 

This  bark,  however,  appeared  to  me  to  be  a  species  of  cork, 
and,  merely  from  its  great  toughness,  would  have  been  suitable  to 
my  purpose,  especially  as  it  was  also  easy  to  cut. 

As  soon  as  I  had  chosen  my  tree,  I  placed  the  little  rope  ladder 

[?>?>?>  ] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

which  we  had  brought  with  us  on  the  lowest  branch,  and  fastened 
it  firmly.  Up  this  ladder  Fritz  climbed,  and,  with  a  hand-saw, 
cut  a  circular  incision  round  the  trunk  through  the  bark  to  the 
sap,  while  I  carefully  made  a  similar  incision  near  the  root.  We 
then  made  another  incision  from  the  upper  to  the  under  circle 
straight  down  the  stem,  by  which  the  bark  was  separated  from 
the  tree  in  a  curved  form,  and  the  uncovered  sap  of  the  trunk  was 
left  to  dry  in  the  sun  by  degrees. 

The  shell  of  bark  we  removed  carefully  and  laid  on  the  grass 
unhurt;  but  even  then  not  half  of  our  work  was  completed.  The 
first  thing  advisable  to  be  done  appeared  to  me  the  formation  of 
the  boat  while  the  bark  was  by  nature  still  moist  and  flexible,  and 
would  therefore  be  more  easily  brought  into  the  shape  of  a  vessel. 

My  first  act,  therefore,  was  to  cut  through  each  end  of  the 
piece  of  bark  to  the  length  of  about  three  feet,  and  then  fold  the 
pieces  over  to  form  the  stem  and  stern  of  my  boat.  In  this  posi- 
tion I  nailed  them  firmly  together,  so  that  they  might  not  become 
loosened  by  the  influence  of  water.  This  performance,  however, 
made  my  little  ship  too  flat.  I  therefore  bound  it  round  the  sides 
with  strong  ropes  while  the  bark  was  moist,  that  it  might  remain 
in  a  proper  shape  when  dry. 

At  this  point  I  felt  that  my  boat-building  could  not  be  finished 
without  the  necessary  tools.  I  therefore  sent  Fritz  and  Jack  to 
Zeltheim  for  the  sledge,  to  which  I  had  fastened  two  little  wheels, 
brought  from  the  wreck,  and  belonging  to  the  ship's  cannon,  so 
that  the  unfinished  boat  might  be  carried  to  a  more  convenient 
place  to  be  completed. 

During  the  absence  of  the  boys,  I  searched  the  neighboring 
woods  and  groves  for  pliable  wood  that  would  bend  easily  and 
form  the  ribs  of  my  little  ship.  Ernest,  however,  was  fortunate 
enough  to  discover,  while  searching  with  me,  a  kind  of  ligneous 
wood,  which  generally  grows  in  a  curved  form  naturally,  and 
would,  on  that  account,  be  most  useful  for  the  ribs  of  the  boat, 
without  looking  for  flexible  wood. 

[  334  ] 


ROBINSON 

In  the  midst  of  this  search  we  also  made  a  very  useful  discovery 
of  a  tree  from  which  flowed  a  new  kind  of  gum.  This  gum  could 
be  used  as  glue  in  a  liquid  state,  and  I  had  no  doubt  would  be- 
come exceedingly  firm  and  hard  when  dry.  The  mother  and 
little  Frank,  on  hearing  this,  immediately  set  about  collecting  a 
large  store,  for  I  hoped  also  to  be  able  to  use  it  instead  of  pitch 
or  turpentine  in  finishing  the  boat. 

It  was  late  in  the  evening  when  the  young  people  returned  with 
the  sledge.  We  were  by  that  time  only  too  glad  to  retire  to  rest, 
and  leave  the  completion  of  our  undertaking  till  the  morning. 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XXIV 

LITTLE    FRANK   AND   THE    CALF 

E  rose  early  on  the  following  morning,  and  were  soon 
busily  engaged  collecting  the  timber,  curved  wood, 
^  and  other  articles  necessary  to  the  completion  of 
the  boat,  which  were  laid  on  the  sledge.  After 
breakfast  the  smaller  articles,  with  our  provisions, 
were  placed  on  the  cart  drawn  by  old  Grizzle,  the  buffalo  being 
harnessed  to  the  sledge,  and  we  then  started  on  our  way  to 
Zeltheim. 

On  reaching  the  bamboo  grove,  it  was  found  necessary  to  cut 
our  way  through  with  axe  and  hatchet,  which  made  the  journey 
very  tedious;  but  the  store  of  canes  we  obtained  would,  I  knew, 
be  very  useful,  especially  a  large,  thick  one,  which  I  determined 
to  use  as  a  mast  for  my  new  boat. 

When  at  last  free  from  the  bamboo  grove,  I  led  the  way  to  the 
left  through  a  narrow  defile,  formed  by  the  ridge  of  rocks  on  one 
side,  and  a  small  channel  or  gulf  on  the  other,  which  poured  forth 
its  rushing  waters  into  the  bay  at  a  little  distance. 

Through  this  narrow  pass  I  and  the  boys,  after  proceeding  for 
a  few  paces,  came  to  a  standstill,  and  here  I  proposed  to  raise  an 
earth  wall,  to  prevent  access  to  our  farm  in  this  direction. 

We  dug  the  earth  up  and  threw  it  in  two  heaps,  to  a  great 
height,  the  whole  width  of  the  pass,  with  a  small  opening  in  the 
centre,  till  the  hollow  appeared  like  a  deep  grave.  A  small, 
wooden  gate  was  then  placed  between  the  two  heaps  of  earth,  to 
allow  us  to  pass  when  we  pleased;  but  against  this  portal  we  piled 
up  thorny  and  prickly  plaits,  as  high  as  the  earth  heaps,  and  by 

[336] 


ROBINSON 

this  means  made  both  a  fortification  and  an  entrenchment  against 
intruders  or  wild  beasts  on  our  farm,  at  least  by  this  defile. 
On  the  protected  side  of  the  pass  we  let  loose  the  little  pigs 
we  had  brought  from  Zeltheim,  that  they  might  find  a  home 
for  themselves,  and  before  leaving  the  spot  named  the  place 
Siuineford. 

This  work  occupied  two  fatiguing  days,  and  greatly  interfered 
with  our  journey.  I,  however,  did  not  regret  sparing  the  tim,e  for 
such  a  purpose.  It  was  not  long  before  we  arrived  at  Falcon's 
Nest,  and  here  I  decided  to  stay  for  two  hours,  to  enable  my  wife 
to  prepare  dinner,  while  we  supplied  the  animals  and  the  fowls 
with  food  and  water,  and  also  obtained  an  hour's  rest  for 
ourselves. 

Zeltheim,  however,  was  not  reached  till  late,  and  we  were  so 
completely  tired  and  overworked,  that,  after  taking  some  refresh- 
ment and  unharnessing  the  animals  from  the  cart  and  sledge,  we 
were  glad  to  retire  to  rest. 

On  the  following  morning  I  set  to  work  in  earnest,  with  the 
help  of  the  boys,  to  finish  my  boat-building.  The  first  important 
undertaking  was  to  form  the  ribs  with  the  curved  and  pliant  wood 
we  had  brought,  and  also  to  fix  underneath,  from  end  to  end,  a 
thin  plank  for  a  keel.  On  the  upper  part  rings  were  placed  to 
receive  the  cordage  and  tackle  of  the  rigging. 

As  ballast,  I  threw  into  the  hollow  of  the  boat  a  number  of 
pebbles,  which  I  cemented  together  by  pouring  upon  them  a 
mixture  of  lime  and  clay.  Over  these  pebbles  planks  were  laid, 
side  by  side,  and  a  very  useful  and  convenient  flooring  or  lower 
deck  they  made.  Across  the  boat  hung  movable  planks  for  seats, 
and  in  the  centre  of  the  lower  deck  or  floor  a  large  hole  was  cut 
to  receive  the  bamboo  mast,  to  which  a  triangular  sail  had  been 
attached. 

The  rudder  I  fixed  at  the  stern  with  two  strong  door-hinges, 
and  a  long  handle  was  also  placed  in  the  inner  edge  of  the  rudder 
as  a  tiller,  by  which  whoever  steered    the    boat  could  guide  it 

[337] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

properly.  My  boat  when  finished  promised  to  be  very  useful, 
and  to  carry  us  in  safety  even  against  wind  and  tide;  and  although 
of  little  cost,  was  to  us  of  the  greatest  value. 

For  greater  security  I  finally  thought  of  another  arrangement. 
I  requested  the  mother  to  make  for  me  two  air-tight  leather  bags 
of  the  dog-fish's  skin;  these  I  covered  carefully  with  a  thin  wash 
of  pitch,  filled  them  with  air,  and  fastened  them  by  well-tarred 
ropes  on  each  side  of  the  centre  of  the  boat,  just  low  enough  to 
touch  the  water. 

i  By  this  means  it  would,  I  knew,  be  almost  impossible  for  any 
accident  to  upset  the  boat,  unless  it  were  too  heavily  laden. 


During  the  rainy  season  a  circumstance  occurred  which  I  have 
been  too  much  engaged  to  mention  before.  Our  cow  presented 
us  with  a  bull  calf. 

In  the  hopes  of  eventually  taming  the  litde  animal  and  making 
him  useful,  I  determined  to  pass  through  his  nostrils,  as  I  had 
done  with  the  buffalo,  a  piece  of  stick,  to  be  replaced  as  he 
grew  older  by  an  iron  ring,  with  reins  and  bridle  to  guide  or 
lead  him. 

This,  however,  could  not  be  performed  till  the  calf  was  old 
enough  to  be  weaned,  and  that  time  had  now  arrived,  for  the 
young  creature  was  already  grown  large  and  strong,  and  quite  at 
home  among  the  other  animals. 

[33^] 


ROBINSON 

After  the  operation  had  been  performed,  Fritz  remarked  that 
we  might  now,  with  our  two  animals,  venture  on  a  Hottentot 
battle  if  we  were  attacked. 

"I  cannot  understand,"  said  his  mother,  "why  there  should  be 
fighting  oxen  in  any  country,  or  under  any  circumstances." 

"I  will  endeavor  to  explain  to  you,"  I  said,  "as  clearly  as  I 
can,  why  the  natives  of  South  Africa  train  their  oxen  to  fight. 
These  people  dwell  in  a  country  infested  with  wild  beasts,  and 
their  principal  means  of  support  is  derived  from  their  flocks  and 
herds  of  cattle  and  sheep;  and  to  protect  these  tbey  place  one  or 
more  of  their  fighting  oxen  in  charge  of  the  rest,  and  wonderfully 
they  perform  their  office. 

"At  the  slightest  appearance  of  danger  the  courageous  animals 
lead  all  the  rest  to  a  spot  of  pasture,  and  group  them  together  in 
a  circle,  the  young  calves  and  the  weaker  cattle  being  enclosed  in 
the  centre.  These  fighting  oxen  place  themselves  outside  the 
circle,  and,  with  raised  heads  and  projected  horns,  face  the 
enemy.  At  times  the  appearance  of  these  animals  and  their  loud 
bellowing  alarm  the  enemy  and  put  them  to  flight;  yet,  even 
should  this  enemy  be  a  lion,  they  will  often  nobly  sacrifice  their 
own  lives  for  the  protection  of  the  flock. 

"It  is  said  that  in  olden  times,  when  these  tribes  were  at  war 
with  each  other,  and  attacked  the  villages  or  huts  of  their  enemies, 
they  would  place  these  noble  champions  as  a  vanguard  of  the 
army,  and  not  seldom  the  victory  has  been  gained  by  their  heroism 
alone." 

The  boys  were  delighted  with  this  account,  but  they  all  agreed 
that  our  little  bull  need  not  be  trained  to  such  wonderful  war- 
fare. Yet  still  he  required  teaching  to  become  useful,  whether 
to  ride  or  drive;  and  who  was  to  do  it.?  Ernest  had  enough  to 
do  with  his  monkey;  Jack  had  his  buffalo  and  young  jackal; 
Fritz  was  satisfied  with  his  onager  and  eagle;  so  there  only  re- 
mained little  Frank,  with  nothing  to  engage  his  attention  or 
require  his  teaching. 

[339] 


Tii£  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Well,  little  man,"  I  said,  "will  you  undertake  the  education 
of  the  calf?" 

"Oh,  yes,  papa,"  he  replied.  "I'm  not  a  bit  afraid;  and  I 
remember  that  story  you  told  me  once  about  a  man  called  Milo, 
and  how  he  began  when  he  was  young  by  carrying  a  calf  on  his 
shoulder  uphill  every  day,  and  that  he  became  at  last  so  strong, 
that  when  the  calf  was  grown  to  be  a  great  ox,  the  man  could 
carry  him  just  the  same.  And  perhaps,  if  I  begin  now  while  this 
calf  is  little,  and  teach  him  every  day,  I  shall  grow  stronger  in 
knowing  how  to  manage  him  when  he  is  big." 

I  laughed  at  the  little  boy's  story  and  its  application;  and  I 
told  him  that  the  calf  would  become  a  bull  very  quickly,  and  long 
before  Frank  was  a  man.  I  encouraged  him,  however,  to  try 
what  he  could  do,  and  advised  him  to  use  kind  means,  as  the  best 
way  to  tame  all  animals,  even  sometimes  wild  beasts. 

"But,  Frank,"  I  said,  "what  name  is  he  to  have  ?" 

"Oh,  I  shall  call  him  Grumbler,"  replied  the  boy;  "for  he 
can't  bellow  yet;  only  makes  a  humming  noise  like  grum- 
bling." 

On  hearing  this,  the  boys  began  to  discuss  the  question  of 
names  for  their  own  pets.  Jack  proposed  to  name  his  buffalo 
Storm. 

"It  would  be  so  grand,"  he  said,  "to  hear  them  say,  'Here 
comes  Jack  riding  on  the  Storm!'" 

This  joke  produced  laughter,  but  there  could  be  no  objection, 
so  the  name  was  fixed  upon.  To  the  puppies  we  gave  names  in 
accordance  with  their  color — Brown  and  Fawn — and  with  these 
the  boys  were  quite  contented. 

For  two  months  after  this  we  worked  daily  at  our  salt  cavern, 
fixing  our  partitions  more  firmly,  or  patching  up  the  walls;  but 
our  chief  work  now  consisted  in  arranging  the  inner  rooms  and 
the  stalls  for  the  animals,  that  they  might  be  comfortable  during 
the  long  rainy  season  and  the  winter. 

Most  certainly  we  performed  one  piece  of  work  well,  for  such 

[340] 


ROBINSON 

bunglers  as  we  were  in  the  previous  use  of  gypsum;  for,  in  melt- 
ing it  into  plaster,  and  filling  up  the  crevices  in  the  walls  to  make 
them  look  smooth,  we  were  wonderfully  successful,  for  it  dried 
tolerably  clean  and  white  in  spite  of  our  clumsiness. 

The  floor  of  our  dwelling-room  we  covered  with  lime  and  clay, 
in  which  we  placed  small  pebbles,  and  stamped  them  down,  filling 
up  the  spaces  between  with  gypsum  plaster,  which  I  did  not  ex- 
pect would  be  dry  till  the  end  of  the  summer.  I  also  began  to 
see  the  importance  of  using  the  wool  and  hair  of  our  sheep  and 
goats  to  make  carpets  for  our  sleeping -chambers  and  living- 
room. 

For  this  purpose  I  adopted  a  very  simple  plan.  I  wetted  a 
piece  of  sail-cloth  with  fish-glue,  and  spread  it  on  the  ground. 
Over  this  we  scattered  hair  and  wool  as  evenly  as  possible,  and 
then  rolled  up  the  cloth,  beat  it  with  sticks,  stamped  on  it  with 
our  feet,  and  worked  at  it  with  all  our  strength  till  the  hair  was 
thoroughly  mixed. 

I  then  drewr  from  the  sail-cloth  a  piece  of  felt,  which  was  laid  in 
the  sun  to  dry.  Two  smaller  pieces  were  also  planned  in  the  same 
way  and  we  had  now  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  our  rooms 
would  be  rendered  warmer  by  a  contrivance  which,  though  not  a 
carpet,  would  be  equally  useful  to  us. 

All  work  at  our  winter  castle  was,  however,  set  aside  on  the  day 
following  our  carpet-making  by  another  important  event. 

On  the  morning  of  that  day  I  awoke  unusually  early,  but  I 
would  not  disturb  my  family,  who  were  still  slumbering  peace- 
fully. A  subject  which  had  occupied  my  mind  for  days  caused 
me  to  lie  awake  and  think,  instead  of  rising. 

After  sundry  calculations,  I  had  discovered  that  the  anniversary 
of  the  day  on  which  we  had  reached  this  island  in  safety  was  near 
at  hand,  and  while  reflecting,  I  felt  convinced  that  it  would  fall  on 
the  following  day.  Full  of  thankfulness  for  our  deliverance  from 
the  wreck,  and  our  safety  since,  my  heart  rose  in  gratitude  to  God 
for  His  mercy,  as  well  as  for  His  good  gifts  and  His  protecting 

[341] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

care  since  we  had  lived  on  the  island,  and  I  determined  not  to 
let  the  day  pass  without  some  marked  celebration  as  a  proof  of 
our  gratitude. 

Full  of  this  determination,  I  arose  and  woke  the  boys  and  my 
wife,  and  the  latter  hastened  to  prepare  breakfast,  supposing  that 
I  was  anxious  as  usual  to  get  to  work  quickly.  Not  having  yet 
hinted  at  the  approaching  festival,  we  each  employed  ourselves  in 
little  matters  that  could  be  easily  accomplished.  Indeed,  I  had 
so  arranged  with  the  boys  to  perform  these  trifling  duties,  that, 
until  we  were  seated  at  supper,  no  one  had  an  idea  of  the  decision 
I  had  made  respecting  the  next  day. 

At  last  I  spoke: 

"My  dear  ones,"  I  said,  "prepare  yourselves  for  a  great  festival; 
to-morrow  is  a  day  never  to  be  forgotten." 

They  all  looked  at  me  with  astonishment,  and  I  hastened  to 
explain  that  I  had  been  making  calculations,  and  found  that  the 
next  day  would  be  the  anniversary  of  our  arrival  on  the  island, 
and  that  we  had  been  here  twelve  months. 

"Is  it  possible.?"  exclaimed  my  wife.  "Have  you  not  made  a 
mistake  in  your  reckoning  ?     The  time  appears  so  short." 

"No,  dear  wife,"  I  replied;  "we  were  wrecked  on  the  thirty- 
first  of  January.  I  discovered  this  by  the  almanac  of  last  year, 
which  I  found  on  board.  I  have  marked  off,  in  every  week  since, 
the  Sundays  as  they  arrived,  till  the  end  of  December.  Thirty- 
one  days  have  gone  by  since  that  date,  and  to-morrow,  therefore, 
is  the  first  of  February,  the  anniversary  of  the  day  in  which  we  so 
mercifully  reached  this  island.  My  bookseller  has  not  sent  me 
an  almanac  for  this  year,"  I  added,  with  a  laugh,  "  so  I  was  obliged 
to  keep  a  regular  daily  account." 

"Ah,  papa!"  exclaimed  Ernest,  "did  you  have  a  long  pole,  and 
make  a  notch  in  it  for  every  day,  and  longer  ones  for  weeks  and 
months,  like  Robinson  Crusoe  did  .?" 

"No,  my  boy,"  I  replied,  laughing,  "but  I  think  his  was  a  very 
good  plan;    yet  we  ought  to  know  how  many  days  there  are  in 

[342] 


ROBINSON 

each  month,  as  well  as  the  number  of  days  in  a  year,  to  enable 
us  to  keep  a  correct  account." 

"That  is  very  simple,"  he  replied,  "for  the  year  contains  three 
hundred  and  sixty-five  days,  five  hours,  forty-eight  minutes,  and 
fifty-seven  seconds." 

"Perfectly  correct,  my  young  astronomer,"  I  replied;  "but  all 
those  hours,  minutes,  and  seconds  v^ould  cause  some  difficulty  in 
our  reckoning  by  cutting  on  a  stick." 

"Oh,  no!  not  in  the  least,  papa,"  replied  the  boy;  "besides,  it 
is  useful  for  us  to  know  that  in  four  years  the  minutes  and  seconds 
make  up  another  day,  which  is  added  on  to  February,  and  so  the 
fourth  year  is  called  'leap  year.'" 

"Excellent,"  I  replied.  "We  must  make  you  our  head  as- 
tronomer, Ernest,  and  give  you  the  task  of  regulating  our  watches; 
you  should  also  invent  a  calendar  of  your  own,  to  belong  specially 
to  this  high  and  mighty  kingdom." 

The  boys  laughed  at  the  proposition,  but  Ernest  took  my  joke 
pleasantly:  he  was  rather  proud,  sometimes,  of  the  knowledge 
he  had  acquired  by  reading,  but  he  was  not  an  ill-tempered 
boy. 

After  we  had  retired  to  rest,  I  heard  the  boys  talking  over  the 
festival  for  which  they  had  been  told  to  prepare,  and  some  little 
secret  seemed  to  be  the  subject  of  conversation.  Now  and  then 
they  spoke  in  whispers,  but  I  made  no  remark. 

At  break  of  day  on  the  following  morning,  we  were  startled 
by  the  report  of  a  cannon.  We  rushed  from  our  sleeping- 
room  in  the  tree,  filled  with  the  greatest  astonishment,  and 
scarcely  believing  we  had  heard  aright,  or  what  the  sound 
could  mean. 

Presently,  as  we  were  for  a  moment  quite  bewildered,  I  noticed 
that  Fritz  and  Jack  were  absent,  and,  while  I  felt  inclined  to  be 
angry,  I  heard  them  laughing  as  they  ascended  our  staircase,  and 
Jack  exclaiming: 

"  Did  we  not  rouse  them  from  sleep  quickly  with  our  thunder  ?" 

[343] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Then  fearing,  by  my  looks  and  his  mother's,  that  they  had  dis- 
pleased us,  Fritz  exclaimed: 

"Pray  forgive  us,  papa!  but  we  thought  certainly  that  such  a 
day  of  rejoicing  as  the  anniversary  of  our  deliverance  from  ship- 
wreck should  be  welcomed  with  a  salute  of  cannon,  even  without 
your  permission.  We  thought  more  of  honoring  the  festival  than 
of  disturbing  your  slumbers." 

We  readily  understood  the  feelings  which  had  influenced  the 
boys,  and  accepted  willingly  the  intended  honor  to  the  day  for 
which  we  had  such  reason  to  be  thankful. 

We  sat  and  rested  for  a  long  time  after  breakfast,  talking  over 
our  plans  for  the  day,  one  of  which  was  to  visit  our  salt  cavern, 
and  there  make  a  beginning,  by  recording  in  my  day-book  the 
date  of  our  happy  deliverance. 

I  then  read  a  chapter  in  the  Bible,  and  we  sang  a  few  hymns, 
and  afterward  knelt  and  offered  up  our  heartfelt  thanks  to  God 
for  His  mercies  In  the  past  year,  and  implored  His  aid  and  pro- 
tection for  the  future.  I  was  anxious  to  impress  upon  my  children 
that  to  the  blessing  of  God  alone  on  our  endeavors  we  owed  our 
present  comforts,  and  even  our  lives. 

The  mother  then  informed  us  that  she  intended  to  honor  the 
day  by  giving  us  a  splendid  dinner  of  the  most  precious  of  our 
stores;  and  when  we  had  enjoyed  it  with  thankful  hearts,  I 
said: 

"Now,  children,  we  will  spend  the  remainder  of  the  day  in 
joyful  amusement.  You  must  display  your  gymnastics,  and,  as 
the  combatants  of  ancient  times,  struggle  for  the  highest  honors, 
while  I  and  your  mother  will  be  the  spectators,  and  recompense 
the  winners  with  the  prizes  of  victory.  Trumpeter!"  cried  I,  in 
a  loud  voice,  in  the  direction  of  the  spot  occupied  by  our  fowls, 
ducks,  and  geese,  who  were  resting  in  the  shade,  "give  the  first 
blast  to  summon  the  champions." 

The  poor  birds,  surprised  and  alarmed  at  my  stentorian  voice, 
set  up  such  an  excited  chorus  of  quacking  and  cackling,  that  the 

[344] 


ROBINSON 

boys  shouted  with  laughter,  and  then,  joining  their  hands,  danced 
round  us  with  deHght,  singing: 

"Come  to  the  lists,  most  noble  knight; 
The  trumpet  summons  you  to  the  fight. 
What  shall  we  first  begin?" 

"A  shooting  match,"  I  repHed.  "And  if  you  will  get  for  me 
some  pieces  of  wood,  an  axe,  and  a  saw,  I  will  soon  prepare  a 
target  for  you." 

In  a  very  short  time  I  had  cut  the  pieces  of  wood  into  some- 
thing like  the  shape  of  the  body,  head,  ears,  and  tail  of  a  kan- 
garoo. This  I  nailed  together  and  set  up  firmly  in  the  ground,  at 
about  a  hundred  paces  from  the  standing-point,  to  form  a  target. 

The  three  elder  boys  eagerly  came  forward  to  try  their  skill  in 
shooting  at  this  target,  and  each  was  to  have  twelve  shots. 

Fritz,  who  aimed  direct  at  the  head  of  the  kangaroo,  succeeded 
twice;  Ernest  was  successful  only  once  in  striking  the  body,  while 
Jack's  shot,  by  a  mere  chance,  passed  through  the  animal's  ears, 
to  his  own  great  amusement.  Fritz,  therefore,  was  proclaimed 
the  winner. 

The  next  trial  of  skill  consisted  in  firing  in  the  air  at  a  stick, 
which  I  threw  up;  and  I  was  surprised  to  find  that  the  quiet,  re- 
flective boy  Ernest  was  not  far  behind  his  impetuous  eldest 
brother  in  hitting  the  stick  while  flying.  As  to  Jack,  in  this  trial 
he  was  nowhere. 

Bow-and-arrow  shooting  came  next,  for  I  was  very  desirous 
that  my  boys  should  excel  in  this  exercise,  in  case  our  store  of 
powder  should  become  exhausted.  I  found,  therefore,  to  my 
great  satisfaction,  that  the  elder  boys  were  really  skilful  marks- 
men, and  that  even  little  Frank  acquitted  himself  famously. 

After  a  short  pause  for  rest,  I  proposed  a  running  match;  and 
for  this  purpose  Fritz,  Ernest,  and  jack  weref  to  start  together,  at 
a  signal  from  me,  to  Falcon's  Nest,  and  bring  my  penknife,  which 
I  had  left  on  the  table  in  our  sleeping-chamber  in  the  tree. 

[345] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

At  my  signal,  Fritz  and  Jack  started  off  at  a  rapid  pace, 
while  Ernest  followed  with  steady,  but  not  slow  steps.  I  proph- 
esied, therefore,  at  once  who  would  be  the  winner.  I  had  cal- 
culated that  the  journey  to  and  from  Falcon's  Nest  would  oc- 
cupy an  hour  and  a  quarter  of  quick  walking,  but  when  in 
less  than  that  time  Jack  galloped  up  on  his  buffalo,  followed 
by  the  onager  and  the  ass,  I  felt  almost  inclined  to  be  angry. 
For  if  he  intended  me  to  consider  him  as  the  first  to  return,  it 
would  be  an  unfair  means  of  claiming  the  prize  by  riding  instead 
of  walking. 

"Oh,  oh,  Master  Jack!"  I  exclaimed,  "the  prize  is  for  walking, 
not  riding  on  a  buffalo.     Where  are  your  brothers  .?" 

"They  are  coming,  papa,"  replied  the  boy,  springing  to  the 
ground.  "Your  humble  servant  gave  up  running  from  the  first. 
I  knew  I  had  no  chance  when  I  saw  Ernest  coming  along  at  such 
a  steady  pace.  And  when  he  and  Fritz  turned  to  come  back,  I 
mounted  Storm,  to  get  here  first,  but  Lightfo(tt  and  Grizzle  fol- 
lowed us  without  being  invited." 

While  the  boy  talked,  I  saw  Fritz  advancing,  and  fiftv  paces  be- 
hind him  came  Ernest,  holding  up  the  penknife  in  triumph.  As 
they  drew  nearer  I  said: 

"How  is  it  you  have  the  knife,  Ernest,  when  Fritz  has  arrived 
here  in  advance  of  you  ?" 

"I  reached  Falcon's  Nest  just  two  mmutes  before  he  did, 
papa,"  replied  the  boy;  "but  I  believe  he  would  have  been  the 
winner  if  he  had  not  started  off  so  rapidly.  How  long  have  we 
been,  papa  ?" 

"Fifty  minutes,"  I  replied,  "and  it  generally  takes  me  an  hour 
and  a  quarter  to  go  to  Falcon's  Nest  from  here  and  back,  by  the 
shortest  way,  so  I  consider  that  you  and  Fritz  have  done  well,  and 
you  are  the  winner  by  two  minutes." 

"So  you  rode  home,  youngster,"  said  Fritz  to  Jack;  "a  very 
fine  way  of  winning  a  race !" 

"Oh!"  he  replied,  "you  two  left  me  behind  so  soon,  that  I  gave 

[346] 


ROBINSON 

up  trying;  besides,  you  are  both  older  and  stronger  than  I  am. 
Anything  more  to  win,  papa  ?"  he  asked,  addressing  me. 

"Yes;  when  you  have  all  rested  there  must  be  a  climbing 
match,"  I  replied;    "the  pads  are  here  in  readiness  for  you." 

A  few  minutes'  rest  sufficed,  and  then  I  was  astonished  to 
notice  the  agility  of  Jack.  He  climbed  the  tree  like  a  squirrel, 
and  completely  eclipsed  his  two  brothers. 

But  in  riding  Fritz  carried  off  the  palm,  although  Jack  was  not 
far  behind  him.  He  rode  and  galloped  on  the  onager  without 
saddle  or  stirrups,  he  even  jumped  off  while  his  steed  was  in 
motion,  and  mounted  again  by  clinging  to  the  animal's  mane,  as 
the  circus  riders  do;   and  Jack  almost  equalled  him  in  cleverness. 

Ernest,  however,  took  no  part  in  this  horsemanship,  although 
he  understood  well  how  to  ride  and  manage  a  horse  with  saddle 
and  bridle,  he  had  no  emulation  for  practice  on  a  buffalo  or  a 
wild  ass. 

But,  to  my  surprise,  a  new  competitor  appeared  in  little  Frank, 
who  requested  to  be  allowed  to  display  his  riding  prowess  on 
Grumbler,  the  young  bull. 

His  mother  had  made  him  a  saddle-cloth  of  kangaroo  fur,  to 
which  hung  straps  wuth  loops  to  be  used  as  stirrups.  Through  the 
ring  in  the  animal's  nose  two  strings  were  fastened,  as  bridle-reins, 
and  as  the  young  rider  galloped  up  to  us,  we  welcomed  him  with 
acclamations. 

"Most  learned  gentlemen!"  exclaimed  the  little  fellow,  as  he 
brought  the  obedient  animal  to  a  sudden  stop,  "you  see  before 
you  the  great  bull-tamer,  Milo  of  Cretona;  will  you  allow  me  to 
show  you  some  of  my  performances  ?" 

Little  Frank  then  put  the  animal  through  all  his  paces;  he  made 
him  walk  and  trot  past  us,  and  then  gallop,  and,  indeed,  obey  the 
voice  and  movements  of  the  boy  in  a  manner  that  quite  astonished 
me.  In  the  midst  of  a  gallop,  he  would  bring  him  up  at  a  dead 
stop,  and  yet  keep  a  firm  seat.  Perhaps  the  saddle-cloth,  so 
cleverly  made  by  his  mother,  had  a  great  deal  to  do  with  the  boy's 

[  347  ] 


TSfi  SWISS  FAMILY 

success  and  the  safety  of  his  seat.  His  brothers  were  delighted, 
and  cheered  him  lustily,  while  I  encouraged  him  with  the  praise 
he  deserved,  and  was  much  pleased  when  he  said: 

"I  shouldn't  have  managed  Grumbler  so  well,  papa,  if  mamma 
had  not  helped  me." 

We  finished  the  performances  with  swimming  and  diving,  and 
in  this  Fritz  proved  himself  master  of  the  art.  He  was  like  a 
Newfoundland  dog  in  the  water,  and  sported  in  it  as  if  it  had 
been  his  natural  element. 

Ernest  was  evidently  afraid  to  go  beyond  his  depth,  and  soon 
gave  up  the  attempt;  while  Jack,  being  at  first  too  violent  in  his 
movements,  was  in  a  very  short  time  so  exhausted  that  I  had  to 
drag  him  out  of  the  water.  Little  Frank,  however,  in  this  his 
first  attempt,  succeeded  so  well,  that  I  did  not  doubt  he  would 
become  as  expert  in  swimming  as  in  riding. 

Later  in  the  evening,  when  these  performances  were  over,  we 
returned  to  Falcon's  Nest  along  the  sea-shore.  My  wife  had 
already  preceded  us  to  prepare  supper,  as  she  said,  but  we  found 
another  preparation,  of  which  the  boys  knew  nothing. 

On  a  cask  standing  on  end  and  covered  with  leaves  and  branches 
sat  the  mother,  with  a  table  before  her,  on  which  lay  the  prizes 
which  she,  as  Queen  of  the  Lists,  was  to  present  to  the  victorious 
champions. 

I  made  the  boys  approach  her  one  by  one,  marching  slowly, 
the  youngest  first,  the  tallest  in  the  rear. 

I  again  performed  the  part  of  trumpeter,  and  announced  the 
name  of  each  winner  as  he  approached.  Six  times  the  boys  filed 
past  their  mother,  as  the  prizes  were  given  for  each  of  the  day's 
sports,  and  great  was  the  pleasure  these  gifts  occasioned. 

PVitz,  as  the  best  shot,  received  a  double-barrelled  gun,  and, 
for  swimming,  a  splendid  hunting-knife,  on  which  he  had  often 
cast  longing  eyes. 

To  Ernest  was  awarded  a  beautiful  gold  watch,  similar  to  one 
which  belonged  to  Fritz,  for  winning  in  the  walking  match.   Other 

[348] 


ROBINSON 


FRANK    PUT   THE   ANIMAL 
THROUGH   ALL    HIS   PACES 


ROBINSON 

smaller  articles  were  also  distributed  to  them,  after  Jack  had 
received,  for  climbing,  a  pair  of  steel  spurs  and  an  English  riding- 
whip;  and  to  little  Frank,  also,  his  mother  gave  a  pair  of  spurs 
and  a  whip  made  of  the  skin  of  the  rhinoceros,  for  his  cleverness 
in  training  Grumbler. 

Then,  to  the  mother's  surprise  and  the  delight  of  the  boys,  I 
stepped  forward  and  presented  her  with  an  English  work-box, 
containing  a  number  of  most  useful  articles — cottons,  threads,  a 
needle-book,  scissors,  thimble,  a  fruit-knife,  and  many  other 
things. 

The  mother  was  truly  pleased  and  delighted  with  my  gift,  and 
the  boys  in  their  happiness  and  joy  begged  me  to  allow  them  to 
close  this  festive  day  with  another  cannon  salute.  I  could  not 
refuse  the  request,  much  as  I  wished  to  save  the  powder,  and  the 
boys,  with  loud  hurrahs,  welcomed  the  roar  of  the  little  cannon  as 
proudly  as  if  it  had  been  a  forty-pounder. 

We  at  last  joined  the  dear  mother  at  the  supper-table,  and  after 
our  evening  prayer  of  thanksgiving  and  praise,  we  gladly  ascended 
to  our  castle  in  the  tree,  and  sought  the  repose  we  all  so  greatly 
needed;  and  so  ended  the  festival  of  our  first  anniversary  on  this 
unknown  land. 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XXV 


THE    MISCHIEVOUS    MONKEYS 

SHORT  time  after  the  anniversary  festival,  I  re- 
called the  fact  that  at  about  this  period  of  the  pre- 
ceding year  a  flock  of  ortolans  and  w^ild  pigeons 
had  settled  at  Falcon's  Nest.  The  store  which  the 
mother  had  half  cooked  and  preserved  in  butter 
was  now  almost  exhausted,  and  I  considered  it  advisable  to  ob- 
tain some  more  of  these  birds  to  add  to  our  supply  of  nourish- 
ment during  the  coming  winter.  We  therefore  at  once  took  up 
our  abode  at  Falcon's  Nest  for  this  purpose. 

I  was,  however,  very  unwilling  to  spare  powder  for  shooting 
them,  and  I  fortunately  remembered  reading  that  the  West 
Indians  and  the  dwellers  in  the  Pelew  Islands,  where  these  birds 
are  plentiful,  snare  them  with  a  kind  of  sticky  substance,  which 
they  prepare  by  mixing  oil  with  the  gum  of  the  india-rubber-tree. 
It  has  the  name  of  bird-lime,  and  has  been  known  to  snare  even 
such  large  birds  as  peacocks  and  turkeys.  We  had  a  small  quan- 
tity of  the  india-rubber  gum  left,  which  I  had  kept  for  the  purpose 
of  shoe  and  boot  making.  I  therefore  sent  Fritz  and  Jack  for  a 
fresh  supply,  telling  them  to  gather  as  much  as  they  possibly  could 
in  a  day's  work. 

The  boys  started  joyfully  on  their  expedition,  taking  with  them 
as  many  calabash  vessels  as  they  could  carry-;  my  wife  therefore 
reminded  me  that  we  ought  to  add  also  to  our  store  of  these  use- 
ful articles. 

"  But  the  calabash  wood  is  at  such  a  distance,"  I  said. 
"Oh,"  she  repHed,  smiling,  "  I  believe  we  shall  find  some  gourds 

[352] 


ROBINSON 

closer  at  hand  than  the  calabash  wood.  The  fact  is,  dear  hus- 
band, I  planted  last  year  a  number  of  young  shoots  of  the  gourd 
near  some  trees  in  our  potato-field.  I  had  almost  forgotten  them, 
but  if  you  like  we  will  take  a  walk  there,  and  ascertain  whether 
they  have  grown  to  perfection  or  not." 

I  was  greatly  pleased  and  surprised  at  this  information,  another 
of  those  surprises  which  my  wife  seemed  so  fond  of  preparing  for 
us;  and  calling  Ernest  and  Frank  to  be  our  companions,  we 
started  as  soon  as  possible  for  the  plantation  near  Zeltheim. 

On  reaching  the  spot,  we  found  to  our  great  satisfaction  that  the 
plants  were  in  a  most  flourishing  condition,  but  in  different  stages 
of  progress — some  in  flower,  others  with  the  fruit  partly  ripe,  a 
number  ripe  but  soft,  and  a  large  majority  with  the  flesh  of  the 
fruit  decayed,  but  the  shells  as  hard  as  horn.  These  we  chose  as 
being  the  most  suitable  for  our  purpose,  and  especially  as  the 
withered  stems  rendered  them  easy  to  cut  off. 

With  a  large  number  we  returned  home,  and  commenced  at 
once  cutting  out  and  forming  vases,  bottles,  cups,  and  spoons,  to 
add  to  our  store. 

While  thus  employed,  we  heard  the  young  riders  approaching 
at  full  gallop  on  Storm  and  Lightfoot.  They  had  a  large  supply 
of  the  india-rubber  gum;  but,  in  addition  to  this,  they  brought 
us  news  of  other  discoveries. 

And,  first.  Jack  displayed  a  small  animal  he  had  shot,  which 
he  called  a  marmot,  but  it  looked  to  me  more  like  a  badger.  Fritz 
produced  a  crane  as  the  result  of  his  sport,  and  also  two  roots,  one 
of  which  Ernest  said  was  anise-root,  and  the  other  the  boys  de- 
clared must  be  called  the  monkey-plant. 

"Why  do  you  give  it  that  name  .f"'  I  asked. 

"Well,  papa,"  said  Fritz,  "when  we  were  not  far  from  Wood 
Grange,  in  an  open  spot  near  the  wood,  we  came  upon  a  troupe 
of  monkeys,  who  seemed  to  be  full  of  business.  We  alighted,  tied 
up  our  animals  and  the  dogs,  and  then  cautiously  approached 
nearer.     With  surprise  we  saw  that   the  monkeys  were  diggmg 

[353  ] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

up  roots  from  the  ground  in  the  most  comical  manner  and  with 
ridiculous  grimaces.  Holding  the  roots  with  their  teeth,  they 
threw  themselves  over  head  and  heels,  making  their  bodies  a  kind 
of  lever  to  dig  them  up.      It  was  then  swallowed  greedily. 

"We  were  very  curious  to  discover  whether  this  root,  which  the 
apes  appeared  to  consider  such  a  dainty  bit,  vvas  pleasant  to  the 
taste;  I  therefore  untied  the  dogs,  who  quickly  drove  away  the 
monkeys,  and  left  us  free  to  gather  up  as  many  roots  as  we  could 
carry.  I  tasted  one,  and  found  it  rather  agreeable.  Can  you  tell 
us,  papa,  what  root  it  is  ?" 

"The  root  is  unknown  to  me,"  I  replied;  "yet  still  I  can  trace 
in  it  some  resemblance  to  a  plant  very  highly  esteemed  in  China, 
of  which  I  have  read.  The  Chinese  consider  this  root  not  only 
wholesome  and  strengthening,  but  also  valuable  in  medicine;  it 
is  even  supposed  to  prolong  life.  On  this  account,  the  Emperor 
of  China  has  a  right  to  claim  all  land  on  which  this  plant  grows, 
and  these  places  are  guarded  by  a  sentry.  It  is  also  found  in 
Tartary,  and  has  passed  from  thence  into  Canada  and  many  other 
places  in  America,  by  the  means  of  smugglers,  who  avoid  paying 
duty  to  the  Government,  and  can  therefore  sell  it  cheaply." 

"What  is  the  name  of  this  plant,  papa  .?"  asked  Ernest. 

"Ginseng,"  I  replied.  "But  before  we  attempt  to  eat  it  we 
must  try  Master  Nip  and  our  poultry  with  a  piece.  The  other 
root  is  well  known  as  a  medicine  or  in  cookery,  but  it  must  not  be 
eaten  as  food,  although  it  has  such  a  fragrant  smell.  The  seeds 
form  almost  as  powerful  an  opiate  as  laudanum.  What  else  have 
vou  to  show  me  ?" 

"We  have  brought  another  store  of  wax-berries,  papa,"  said 
Fritz;  "and,  better  still,  we  found  a  resin  flowing  from  the  trunk 
of  a  tree,  which  seems  like  turpentine,  and  we  filled  two  of  our 
calabash  vases  with  it." 

"It  certainly  resembles  turpentine,"  I  said,  as  I  examined  it; 
"at  all  events,  it  can  be  used  instead  of  it,  and  will,  no  doubt, 
answer  the  same  purpose." 

[354] 


ROBINSON 

"Papa,"  exclaimed  Fritz,  as  I  turned  away  with  the  stores  and 
the  booty  they  had  brought,  "you  have  not  heard  all  about  the 
wickedness  of  those  dreadful  monkeys.  Our  new  farm  place  is 
nearly  destroyed!" 

"What!     By  monkeys  ?"  I  exclaimed.      "Are  you  sure,  Fritz  ?" 

"Who  else  could  have  done  it,  papa  .?  for  the  animals  and  the 
poultry  are  still  living,  but  the  poor  fowls  are  scattered  in  all  di- 
rections, and  the  sheep  and  goats  wandering  about  in  terror. 
Everything  is  torn  or  destroyed — the  cotton  dragged  from  our 
beds  and  thrown  here  and  there,  and  the  fodder  mixed  with  the 
dung-heap.     It  was  a  perfect  scene  of  desolation. 

"  But  our  attention  was  soon  diverted  from  the  farm,  for  while 
we  stood  looking  in  astonishment  and  regret,  we  suddenly  heard 
a  great  noise  of  rushing  wings  and  screaming  in  the  distance,  and 
presently  observed  a  large  swarm  of  birds  of  passage  passing  over 
our  heads  at  such  a  great  height  that  they  appeared  no  larger  than 
sparrows.  They  continued  their  flight  in  perfect  order,  one  be- 
hind another,  till,  as  they  approached  the  marshy  ground  near  the 
lake,  they  began  to  sink  lower  in  the  air,  and  presently  descended 
swiftly  and  alighted  on  the  little  field  of  rice. 

"We  followed  cautiously  and  softly,  but  it  was  impossible  even 
to  raise  my  gun  unnoticed,  for  they  had  sentinels  stationed  at 
every  point,  to  give  warning  in  case  of  danger.  I  could  see  that 
they  were  cranes,  but  to  shoot  one  was  impossible,  and  at  last, 
at  a  slight  movement  on  my  part,  the  whole  flock  rose  in  the  air 
with  a  wonderful  sound  of  rushing  wings.  I  instantly  unhooded 
my  eagle,  who  rose  rapidly  in  the  air  above  the  cranes,  and  quickly 
brought  one  down  dead  at  my  feet.  There,  as  the  eagle  allowed 
it  to  remain,  I  at  once  gave  him  one  of  the  dead  pigeons  as  a 
reward." 

"You  were  fortunate  to  have  him  with  you,  Fritz,"  said  Ernest. 
"But  does  he  not  sit  heavily  on  your  shoulder  when  Lightfoot 
gallops  ?" 

"No,"  replied  the  boy,  "for  he  flutters  his  wings  to  keep  him- 

[355] 


r^  SWISS  FAMILY 

self  from  falling;  and  you  know  he  is  too  heavy  to  carry  on  my 
wrist,  as  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  olden  times  used  to  carry  falcons. 
We  finished  our  day's  work,"  continued  Fritz,  "by  gathering 
about  a  bushel  of  rice,  and  I  think  our  good  coursers  deserve  their 
supper  as  much  as  we  do  for  helping  us  to  bring  home  such  valu- 
able  spoils." 

At  supper  that  evening  the  roots  which  we  had  brought,  having 
been  tasted  and  greedily  swallowed  by  Master  Nip,  were  cleaned 
and  cooked  for  our  supper,  and  eaten  with  great  relish. 

"Dear  children,"  I  cried,  as  I  awoke  the  boys  next  morning, 
"we  must  rise  with  the  sun  to-day,  for  we  have  a  great  deal  of 
work  before  us." 

No  second  word  was  needed.  All  were  soon  on  their  feet;  and, 
after  oui:  accustomed  morning  prayer  and  breakfast,  we  hastened 
to  commence  work. 

I  first  desired  the  boys  to  cut  a  few  switches  from  the  bushes 
suitable  to  my  purpose;  and  while  they  were  thus  engaged,  I 
hastened  to  prepare  the  bird-lime  by  mixing  with  the  caoutchouc 
some  clarified  pine-oil.  To  this  I  added  liquid  turpentine,  and 
beat  up  and  stirred  the  whole  mass  together  till  it  became  a  tough 
and  firm  paste. 

By  the  time  my  bird-lime  was  ready  the  boys  returned,  and  I 
employed  them  at  once  in  spreading  it  over  the  sticks,  while  I 
examined  the  trees  to  choose  the  most  suitable  branches  on  which 
to  place  the  snares. 

I  noticed  that  a  large  number  of  ortolans  and  wood-pigeons 
were  already  in  flocks  among  the  neighboring  trees,  and  I  re- 
called the  fact  that  about  this  time  in  the  last  year  a  similar  swarm 
had  first  attracted  our  notice. 

So  thickly  populated,  indeed,  were  the  branches  now  by  these 
feathered  visitors,  that  even  the  random  shot  of  a  blind  person 
would  scarcely  have  failed  to  bring  down  some  of  them. 

I  noticed  particularly  that  oaks  were  the  most  attractive  trees, 
on  account  of  the  sweet  acorns;  and  after  Jack  had  climbed  these 

[356] 


ROBINSON 


MY     EAGLE     QUICKLY 
BROUGHT  ONE   DOWN 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O   N 

trees,  with  his  usual  agihty,  and  placed  the  lime-sticks  on  the 
branches,  I  was  reminded  of  a  custom  among  the  inhabitants  of 
Virginia,  an  American  colony. 

These  people  capture  pigeons  and  other  birds  at  night  by  torch- 
light, and  obtain  large  numbers  in  that  way.  I  determined,  there- 
fore, if  our  snares  failed,  to  adopt  this  plan. 

About  a  dozen  birds  were  quickly  caught  in  the  snares  with 
great  ease,  for  they  were  not  at  all  shy  or  afraid  of  Jack  as  he  sat 
among  the  branches,  and  evidently  suspected  no  danger.  As  one 
after  another  became  fixed  to  the  lime-sticks,  they  struggled  and 
fluttered  to  get  free,  and  in  so  doing  fell  to  the  ground,  carrying 
the  sticks  with  them. 

But  the  sack  in  which  they  were  placed  remained  still  very 
light,  although  the  twigs  were  cleaned  and  again  covered  with 
bird-lime  two  or  three  times. 

I  knew,  therefore,  that  by  this  plan  we  should  not  obtain  a 
sufficient  store  of  birds  for  the  winter;  and  being  anxious  to  save 
our  powder  and  shot,  I  resolved  on  the  following  evening  to  capt- 
ure a  large  number  by  a  torchlight  attack  instead  of  bird-lime, 
and  to  make  our  torches  of  wood  tipped  with  turpentine. 

While  snaring  the  birds.  Jack  suddenly  descended  from  the 
tree,  and  bringing  with  him  a  beautiful  pigeon,  asked  me  whether 
it  ought  to  be  killed. 

"Oh,  no!"  exclaimed  Ernest;  "why,  it  is  one  of  the  pigeons 
brought  from  Europe  in  the  ship;   and  see  how  tame  it  is!" 

I  perceived  at  once  that  the  boy  was  right.  I  therefore  took 
the  little  trembling  captive  in  my  hands,  rubbed  the  feet  and  wing- 
feathers  with  ashes  to  remove  the  bird-lime,  and  then  placed  it  in 
the  hen-coop  with  Jack's  fowls.  I  hoped  also  to  catch  its  mate, 
as  I  was  anxious  to  have  a  number  of  these  beautiful  birds.  For- 
tunately the  other  tame  pigeons  were  caught  without  being  in- 
jured, and  before  evening  we  had  two  pairs  of  European  pigeons 
in  safe  keeping. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  number  of  wild   birds  snared  w^as  not 

[359I 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

sufficient  to  fill  even  one  cask.  The  boys,  in  climbing  the  trees  so 
often  to  save  the  tame  pigeons,  had  slightly  frightened  them  away; 
I  therefore  at  once  determined  to  proceed  after  dark  to  the  acorn 
wood,  and  invade  the  great  tribe  of  wood-pigeons  and  ortolans  in 
their  night  quarters,  where  I  hoped  to  find  them. 

It  grieved  the  mother  to  think  that  these  pretty  birds  must  be 
killed;  but  I  explained  to  her,  as  well  as  to  the  boys,  that  it  was 
necessary  to  provide  food  for  us  on  a  desolate  island,  where  none 
could  be  obtained  for  money. 

"But,"  I  added,  "for  boys  to  set  traps  to  catch  birds  merely 
in  sport,  or  for  the  sake  of  shooting  them,  is  displeasing  to  God, 
and  shows  a  cruel  disposition." 

As  evening  approached,  I  prepared  for  the  night  expedition. 
Our  weapons  were  on  this  occasion  very  unusual — merely  long 
bamboo  canes,  sacks,  and  unlighted  torches.  The  boys  wondered 
greatly  that  such  instruments  could  be  used  in  catching  birds. 
However,  we  proceeded  in  the  short  twilight  to  the  place  I  had 
fixed  upon,  and  so  rapidly  had  darkness  fallen  upon  us  after  sun- 
set (as  usual  in  this  southern  climate),  that  on  reaching  the  spot 
torches  were  at  once  lighted. 

By  their  light  I  discovered,  as  I  had  expected,  an  immense 
swarm  of  birds  roosting  on  the  branches.  The  light  from  the 
torches,  as  we  stood  under  the  trees,  awoke  the  birds.  Dazzled 
and  frightened,  the  poor  little  creatures  hopped  and  fluttered 
through  the  foliage  and  from  spray  to  spray,  then  becoming  giddy, 
we  could  easily,  with  our  bamboo  canes,  knock  them  on  the  head 
as  they  fell  to  the  ground.  To  increase  our  store,  we  beat  the 
lower  branches  with  our  canes,  which  brought  down  also  a  large 
number  of  birds. 

So  many  now  lay  dead  on  the  ground,  that  the  mother  and  little 
Frank  had  enough  to  do  to  gather  them  up  and  place  them  in 
sacks;  those  which  were  only  stunned  by  the  blows  they  had  re- 
ceived I  quickly  put  out  of  their  misery.  As  soon  as  two  sacks 
were  filled,  I  proposed  to  return  home  to  Falconhurst  before  our 

[360] 


ROBINSON 

torches  had  quite  burned  out.  The  valuable  booty  was  so  heavy, 
that  only  by  suspending  the  two  sacks  upon  two  of  the  bamboo 
canes,  and  placing  the  ends  of  each  cane  on  the  shoulders  of  four 
of  our  number,  two  in  front  and  two  behind,  could  we  manage  to 
carry  them  easily. 

The  mother  and  little  Frank  led  the  way  with  lighted  torches, 
so  that  our  procession  resembled  that  of  a  funeral  at  night  in  the 
olden  times.' 

A  short  walk  brought  us  to  Falcon's  Nest,  and  after  carefully 
stowing  away  our  precious  booty  in  a  safe  place,  we  gladly  retired 
to  rest. 

Nearly  the  whole  of  the  following  day  was  employed  in  plucking, 
cleaning,  half  baking,  or  stewing  the  birds,  before  preserving  them 
in  oil  or  butter,  and  placing  them  in  casks;  and  we  were  as  busy 
as  if  we  had  been  the  keepers  of  a  hotel,  and  were  preparing  a 
festival  dinner.  By  the  time  our  work  was  finished,  it  was  too 
late  to  set  out  on  the  monkey-hunting  expedition;  it  was,  there- 
fore, put  off  till  the  morrow. 

On  the  following  morning  soon  after  dawn  we  rose  and  took  a 
hasty  breakfast.  My  wife  had  packed  up  a  supply  of  provisions 
for  some  days,  in  case  we  should  be  detained  by  this  war  with  the 
apes.  We  also  carried  with  us  a  quantity  of  bird-lime,  for  I  knew 
it  was  useless  to  attempt  to  gain  the  mastery  over  these  terribly 
destructive  animals  with  firearms  alone. 

We  loaded  the  buffalo  w^ith  the  travelling-tent,  and  Jack  and 
Ernest,  being  not  very  heavy,  seated  themselves  upon  it.  Our 
provisions  and  our  arms  were  laid  on  the  onager,  in  front  of  Fritz, 
and  I  followed  on  the  ass.  The  mother  and  Frank  remained  at 
home,  under  the  care  of  Turk,  while  Floss  and  the  young  dogs 
accompanied  us  in  a  troupe. 

When  we  arrived  near  Wood  Grange,  I  chose  a  spot  surrounded 
by  thick  bushes  and  made  a  halt.      We  unpacked  our  baggage, 

'  Funerals  among  Eastern  nations  still  frequently  take  place  by  torchlight 
at  night.    . 

[  361  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

unharnessed  the  animals,  and  tied  them  to  a  tree  by  ropes  long 
enough  to  allow  them  to  graze;  I  then  erected  our  tent,  and  after 
fastening  up  the  dogs,  that  they  might  not  interfere  and  disturb 
the  apes,  we  approached  the  farm  cautiously,  that  we  might  not 
be  noticed  by  the  enemy. 

Before  leaving  Falcon's  Nest,  we  had  prepared  a  number  of  lit- 
tle poles  to  take  with  us,  as  well  as  more  than  half  of  our  store  of 
gourd  and  cocoanut-shells.  These  poles  were  placed  loosely  in 
the  earth  round  the  demolished  farm-house,  two  and  two,  and  tied 
together  lightly  with  string.  Within  was  thus  formed  a  kind  of 
labyrinth,  leaving  the  entrance  passages  so  narrow,  that  it  was 
impossible  to  pass  without  touching  one  or  other  of  the  poles,  and 
by  thus  upsetting  them,  the  string  would  twist  itself  round  the 
body  or  the  feet  of  the  animal  who  entered. 

At  last  we  placed  the  cocoanut  and  calabash-shells,  containing 
rice,  maize,  and  palm  wine,  in  the  labyrinth.  Over  all  these,  as 
well  as  on  the  poles,  the  strings,  and  even  the  trees,  we  lightly 
spread  bird-lime. 

By  the  time  this  business  was  completed  the  day  had  far  ad- 
vanced; I  determined,  therefore,  that  we  should  rest  till  the  morn- 
ing. Soon  after  sunrise  the  noise  which  sounded  in  the  distance 
awoke  us,  and  announced  that  our  enemies  were  approaching  the 
farm.  We  seized  our  arms,  and  divided  ourselves  into  two  parties, 
leading  the  dogs  by  a  string.  Cautiously  drawing  near,  we  hid 
ourselves  in  a  spot  from  which  we  could  observe  unseen  a  most 
ridiculous  spectacle. 

The  monkeys  commenced  their  performances  by  climbing  to  the 
branches  of  the  trees  near  the  farm-house,  and  yelling  and  chat- 
tering, sprang  from  bough  to  bough,  with  a  rush  and  confusion 
horrible  enough  to  bewilder  a  man's  brain. 

Suddenly  the  whole  swarm  of  ape  rabble  broke  loose  from  the 
trees,  sprang  from  the  lower  branches  to  the  ground,  and,  evi- 
dently allured  by  the  tempting  bait,  hopped  pell-mell  after  one 
another  to  the  farmstead. 

[362] 


ROBINSON 

The  procession  seemed  to  have  no  end,  and  to  count  the  num- 
bers was  impossible,  for  they  tumbled  over  one  another  and 
crowded  together  in  their  haste. 

Fearlessly  they  broke  through  the  strings,  pulled  up  the  poles, 
and  while  some  rushed  on  the  tempting  bait,  others  let  themselves 
loose  on  the  building,  and  climbed  to  the  roof. 

Here  they  began  to  pull  up  the  pine-wood  pegs,  and  at  last 
pushed  their  way  into  the  interior,  expecting,  no  doubt,  as  rich  a 
booty  as  on  their  last  visit. 

But  by  degrees  the  chattering  of  the  rabble  changed  to  cries  of 
rage  or  fear,  for  not  one  of  the  whole  number  had  escaped  from 
being  caught  by  the  bird-lime  either  in  the  head,  the  breast,  the 
back,  or  the  fore  paws. 

Half  ludicrous,  half  pitiable,  were  the  wonderful  grimaces  they 
made,  and  the  strange  positions  in  which  they  were  fixed  by  the 
lime.  Some  were 
endeavoring  to 
ctlean  it  off; 
others,  attached 
to  branches  of 
trees  or  confined 
by  strings,  gave 
themselves  up  to 
despair.  In  some 
cases,  when  they 
attempted  to  help 
one  another,  they 
stuck  together, 
and  then  fought 
and  struggled  in 
useless  rage. 

Many    became 
entangled   in  the   strings,  and  others,  being  fastened  to  a  pole, 
fell  with   it  to  the   ground.      I  was  scarcely  able  to  restrain  my 
^4  [  363  ] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

laughter  at  some,  who  were  not  exactly  hurt,  but  fixed  in  the 
most  ludicrous  positions,  either  from  greediness  or  a  love  of 
mischief. 

Here  was  one  with  both  hands  stuck  fast  to  pegs,  which  he  had 
seized  to  pull  up.  In  their  haste  to  be  the  first  to  obtain  a  cocoa- 
nut-shell,  two  had  grasped  it  at  the  same  moment,  and  were  im- 
mediately stuck  together;  while  a  third,  in  his  eagerness  to  drink 
the  palm  wine  in  a  calabash-shell,  had  tipped  it  up  so  greedily, 
that  it  remained  sticking  to  his  forehead  and  whiskers  like  a 
mask. 

Those,  however,  were  in  the  worst  plight  who  had  become  at- 
tached to  the  thorny  branches  of  the  acacia;  and  indeed  the  sight 
was  so  pitiable,  that  I  at  last  determined  to  put  them  out  of  their 
misery  by  letting  the  dogs  loose.  The  scene  that  followed  was  for 
a  few  moments  terrible.  The  dogs  rushed  upon  the  imprisoned 
apes  and  tore  them  in  pieces — several  which  were  only  wounded 
and  in  agonies,  I  was  obliged  to  put  out  of  their  misery  with  a 
blow  from  my  bamboo  cane. 

In  a  few  minutes  there  lav  before  us   a  veritable  battle-field. 

J 

From  the  sight  I  turned  away  with  a  shudder,  for  not  less  than 
thirty  or  forty  apes  lay  mangled  and  dead  on  the  spot. 

My  boys  were  quite  sad  and  serious,  and  hoped  they  should 
never  again  witness  such  a  sight.  Indeed,  as  I  told  them,  I  re- 
gretted being  obliged  to  make  such  a  slaughter,  but  in  no  other 
way  could  I  get  rid  of  the  mischievous  animals. 

"Ah,  papa!"  said  Fritz,  "they  looked  so  like  human  beings, 
and  seemed  asking  us  to  help  them  when  the  dogs  were  let  loose: 
it  was  that  made  it  so  dreadful." 

I  had  noticed  this  myself  with  equal  pain;  but  now  it  was  over, 
I  endeavored  to  divert  the  thoughts  of  the  boys  by  proposing  to 
clean  and  prepare  the  farm-house  for  the  reception  of  our  animals 
once  more. 

This  they  readily  agreed  to,  but  first  we  had  to  dig  a  pit  and 
bury  the  bodies  of  the  apes,  which  was  indeed  a  sickening  per- 

[364] 


ROBINSON 

formance.  This  being  at  last  finished,  we  collected  together  all 
the  poles,  pegs,  string,  shells,  and  other  articles  used  in  the  attack, 
and  burned  them.  The  farmstead  had  then  to  be  thoroughly 
cleansed  and  partially  repaired  to  form  a  dwelling  for  the  terrified 
animals.     This  work  occupied  two  days. 

With  little  difficulty,  and  a  supply  of  tempting  food,  the  sheep, 
the  goats,  and  the  fowls  were  attracted  back  to  their  old  homes, 
and  I  earnestly  hoped  that  nothing  would  again  interfere  with 
their  comfort  after  our  departure. 

One  day,  while  thus  engaged,  I  heard  two  or  three  times  the 
sound  of  something  falling  under  the  nearest  palm-tree.  On 
going  to  discover  the  cause,  I  found  three  beautiful  birds  which 
had  been  caught  by  the  lime,  and,  in  their  struggles  to  escape, 
had  fallen  to  the  ground.  They  were  still  living,  and  on  a  closer 
inspection  I  discovered  that  we  had  made  a  splendid  capture. 

These  birds  belonged  to  the  pigeon  tribe,  and  were  evidently 
from  the  Molucca  Islands,  in  which  country  they  are  named  car- 
rier pigeons,  or  Molucca  doves. 

This  addition  to  our  pigeon  family  made  me  truly  happy,  and 
I  resolved  to  commence  building  as  soon  as  possible  a  new  and 
handsome  pigeon-house. 

When  I  mentioned  this  to  Fritz,  he  said : 

"  For  three  pigeons,  papa  .?" 

"No,"  I  replied;  "for  I  hope  to  make  these  new-comers  as- 
sociate in  a  friendly  manner  with  the  European  pigeons;  and 
besides,  they  will  no  doubt  attract  others." 

"You  will  have  to  use  sorcery,  then,"  he  repHed,  laughing. 

"Perhaps  I  may  be  obliged  to  make  use  of  the  magician's 
wand,"  I  replied,  "and  by  the  result  you  will  be  able  to  judge 
whether  my  sorcery  is  successful." 

All  our  arrangements  at  Wood  Grange  being  at  an  end,  I  led 
the  way  to  Falcon's  Nest,  which  we  reached  without  further  ad- 
venture, and  were  gladly  welcomed  by  the  dear  ones  at  home. 

The  captive  pigeons  were  much  admired,  and  the  mother  readily 

[365] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

agreed  with  me  that  it  was  necessary  to  visit  Zeltheim  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  commence  the  erection  of  a  pigeon-house;  other 
matters  in  the  cave  also  required  completion. 

As  soon  as  the  day  for  our  departure  was  settled,  a  store  of  pro- 
visions was  got  ready  and  placed  on  the  cart,  with  various  neces- 
sary arms  and  tools;  and  we  started  from  Falcon's  Nest  with  the 
intention  of  residing  for  a  long  period  at  Zeltheim. 

The  position  for  my  pigeon-house,  which  I  decided  was  to  be 
hewn  out  of  the  rock  over  our  living-room,  was  quickly  chosen; 
the  front  faced  the  Jackal  River,  and  without  delay  the  work  was 
commenced  and  continued  for  several  weeks  with  but  little  in- 
terruption. In  consequence  of  the  comparative  softness  of  the 
rock,  an  opening  was  soon  completed;  but  I  only  penetrated 
to  the  interior  as  far  as  about  half  the  depth  of  the  pigeon-house, 
for  the  front  and  sides,  which  projected,  were  to  be  made  of 
wood. 

The  construction  of  this  wooden  frontage,  in  which  the  pigeon- 
holes and  entrances  were  to  be  placed,  occupied  some  time,  but 
when  finished,  quite  repaid  us  for  the  trouble.  In  each  side  an 
opening  was  made  for  a  window,  and  a  wooden  platform  stood 
before  the  entrance  for  the  birds  to  rest  upon.  The  entire  front 
with  pigeon-holes  and  entrance  were  covered  by  a  sliding  trap- 
door, which  could  be  drawn  up  or  closed  by  a  string  and  a  pulley 
in  case  of  danger.  A  wooden  rail  was  also  placed  under  the  little 
window,  on  which  to  fasten  the  rope  ladder  by  iron  hooks  when 
we  wished  to  look  in. 

The  arrangements  of  the  interior  were  much  more  difficult. 
Two  side  walls  of  wood  and  one  behind  were  required  in  the 
rocky  portion,  as  well  as  a  floor  and  a  ceiling.  These  difficulties, 
however,  were  at  last  overcome,  and  the  building  was  really  a 
clever  construction  for  such  bunglers  as  we  were;  in  fact,  the 
interior  of  the  pigeon-house,  with  its  perches  and  partitions  of 
network,  in  which  the  nests  were  placed  that  the  birds  might  be 
separated  from  each  other  while  building,  and  all  other  necessary 

[  366  ] 


R  O   B  I  N   S  O  N 

fittings,  were  finished  with  great  neatness,  considering  the  want 
of  proper  materials  and  my  own  inexperience  in  such  work. 

The  pigeon-house  being  at  last  ready  to  receive  its  feathered 
inhabitants,  I  said  to  Fritz  one  morning: 

"My  brave  comrade,  we  must  now  practise  some  kind  of  en- 
chantment to  attract  a  new  colony  of  pigeons  to  this  dwelling  we 
have  made  for  them." 

Fritz  looked  at  me  with  such  surprise  as  I  spoke,  that  I  laughed 
as  I  explained,  for  he  evidently  did  not  understand  me. 

"Well,  Fritz,  the  truth  is  that  a  secret  plan,  described  to  me 
years  ago  by  a  pigeon  dealer  in  our  village,  might  well  be  mis- 
taken for  witchcraft  by  ignorant  people;  and  the  man  who  adopted 
it  was  certainly  not  honest,  for  he  attracted  birds  which  were  the 
property  of  others.  But  here  the  pigeons  are  without  owners, 
and  if  those  which  belong  to  us  can  be  made  to  attract  other 
birds,  we  shall  soon  have  a  large  colony  of  pigeons  to  fill  the 
house  we  have  built;    it  will  accommodate  a  great  number." 

"  And  how  can  you  make  our  pigeons  attract  others  .?"  asked 
Fritz.     "It  must  be  a  very  clever  plan." 

"So  it  is,  Fritz,  yet  extremely  simple.  Pigeons  are  very  fond 
of  the  odor  of  the  anise-plant;  it  will  therefore  be  only  necessary 
to  rub  the  edges  of  the  pigeon-holes  with  oil  made  from  aniseed, 
and  the  pigeons  in  passing  in  and  out  will  carry  some  on  their 
wings,  and  the  aromatic  odor  will  attract  others  to  follow  them 
to  their  home." 

"What  a  simple  experiment!"  exclaimed  Fritz.  "And  almost 
like  sorcery!    but  how  are  we  to  obtain  the  oil .?" 

"Very  easily,"  I  replied:  "a  few  of  the  seeds  of  the  plant  must 
be  placed  in  a  mortar,  and  pressed  till  the  oil  is  extracted.  The 
whole  mass, must  then  be  strained  through  a  cloth,  to  separate  the 
seeds  from  the  oil,  and  this  oil,  when  mixed  with  lime  and  salt, 
forms  a  kind  of  paste." 

Fritz  readily  assisted  in  preparing  this  paste,  which  produced  a 
very  agreeable  and  aromatic  smell;  and  in  a  very  short  time,  the 

[367] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

pigeon-holes  having  been  rubbed  shghtly  with  it,  the  pigeons, 
which  had  hitherto  been  kept  in  a  cage,  were  introduced  to  their 
new  abode. 

When  the  younger  boys  arrived  from  Falconhurst,  and  found 
the  pigeon-house  finished  and  the  birds  placed  in  it,  they  were  de- 
lighted beyond  measure.  They  climbed  up  the  rope  ladder  which 
1  had  used  while  working,  they  peeped  in  through  the  window  in 
the  rock,  and  saw  that  the  birds  appeared  quite  happy,  hopping 
from  perch  to  perch,  and  not  seeming  the  least  afraid  even  when 
1  drew  up  and  let  down  the  trap-door,  which  entirely  covered  the 
pigeon-holes  and  made  the  birds  prisoners. 

Two  days  passed,  and  then  I  felt  some  curiosity  as  to  the  result 
of  my  magic  paste.  On  the  third  morning  I  awoke  Fritz  at  an 
early  hour,  and  desired  him  to  mount  the  rope  ladder  and  again 
touch  the  edges  of  the  pigeon-holes  with  aniseed  paste.  We  then 
returned  to  our  sleeping-chamber  in  the  cavern,  which  had  been 
made  habitable  for  summer,  but  was  not  yet  suitable  as  winter 
quarters,  and  woke  the  sleepers. 

After  a  hasty  breakfast,  I  made  the  announcement  that  I  in- 
tended to  release  the  imprisoned  pigeons.  All  my  family  came 
out  at  once,  and  stood  in  the  open  air  beneath  the  pigeon-house. 
I  then,  in  an  imposing  manner,  began  to  murmur  a  few  indistinct 
words,  while  with  my  stick  I  made  magic  circles  in  the  air,  and 
gave  a  sign  to  Jack  to  draw  up  the  trap-door  by  the  string  which 
hung  near  him. 

Presently  we  saw  the  pigeons  appear  at  the  entrance,  then  they 
put  out  their  heads  timidly,  and  examined  the  unknown  world 
cautiously.  Suddenly,  with  rushing  wings,  they  rose  in  the  air, 
and  were  quickly  out  of  sight,  and  my  wife  and  the  children  be- 
lieved they  were  lost  to  us  for  ever. 

Not  so,  however,  for  after  a  few  turns  in  the  air,  as  if  to  stretch 
their  wings,  the  flock  returned,  and  appeared  ready  to  re-enter  the 
pigeon-house,  as  if  it  had  been  their  home  for  years. 

But  my  pleasure  at  this  sight  was  quickly  damped,  for  suddenly 

[368] 


R   O  B  I  N  S  O   N 

the  three  foreign  birds,  instead  of  following  the  example  of  their 
European  friends,  suddenly  rose  in  the  air  and  took  the  way  to 
Falcon's  Nest,  so  that  I  at  once  gave  them  up  for  lost. 

The  four  tame  pigeons,  however,  made  no  attempt  to  fly  away, 
but  fluttered  round  us  in  a  most  friendly  manner.  We  threw 
some  peas  on  the  ground  which  they  picked  up,  and  then  returned 
to  the  pigeon-house  with  the  greatest  readiness. 

The  absence  of  the  foreigners  occupied  all  our  thoughts  and 
conversation.  We  could  undertake  no  employment  out  of  sight 
of  the  pigeon-house;  but  evening  arrived  without  any  signs  of 
the  fugitives  returning. 

Next  morning,  as  they  did  not  appear,  all  hopes  of  their  return 
seemed  lost,  and  we  were  obliged  to  continue  our  work  within 
the  cave.  About  noon.  Jack,  who  had  gone  outside  for  a  few 
moments,  came  rushing  back,  clapping  his  hands  joyfully,  and 
exclaiming: 

"Here  he  is!   here  he  is,  truly!     He  has  come  back!" 

"Who  has  come  back  .?"  we  all  asked.     "Where,  where  .?" 

"The  blue  pigeon!"  cried  Jack,  still  louder.  "The  blue  pigeon! 
Hurrah!   hurrah!" 

"Nonsense!"  cried  Ernest.  "It  is  not  likely  that  one  would 
return  alone." 

"I  do  not  consider  it  nonsense,"  I  remarked,  "for  if  one  is 
returning,  the  others  are  sure  to  follow." 

At  this  we  all  rushed  out  of  the  cave,  and  to  our  surprise  found 
not  only  one  of  our  three  fugitives,  but  a  second  stranger,  evident- 
ly his  mate,  standing  on  the  outer  platform  of  the  pigeon-house. 
Presently  the  blue  pigeon  flew  through  the  hole,  and  then  nodded 
his  head  and  cooed  to  invite  the  stranger  to  follow  him. 

At  last  she  was  persuaded  to  enter,  and  we  saw  with  great  satis- 
faction that  this  pair  at  least  were  likely  to  remain  in  their  new 
home.  The  children  wished  at  once  to  shut  down  the  trap-door 
to  secure  the  new  guest,  but  I  persuaded  them  from  doing  so, 
saying  it  would  be  sure  to  frighten  the  new-comers. 

[369] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Besides,"  I  added,  "we  must  leave  the  entrance  open  for  the 
other  two,  and  not  shut  the  door  in  their  faces." 

While  I  thus  spoke,  Fritz,  who  had  turned  his  keen  eyes  toward 
the  distance,  suddenly  exclaimed:  "Here  they  come!  Here  they 
come!"  And  in  a  very  few  minutes  we  saw  approaching  the 
pigeon-house  another  of  the  blue  pigeons  and  his  companion. 

My  boys  set  up  such  cries  of  joy  at  this  sight,  that  the  poor 
birds  were  quite  startled,  and  would  most  probably  have  flown 
away  had  they  not  been  fatigued;  I,  however,  imposed  silence, 
and,  after  some  hesitation,  they  entered  the  pigeon-house  and 
disappeared. 

For  a  time  after  this  all  work  was  set  aside,  while  the  mother  and 
Frank  went  in  to  prepare  our  evening  meal.  Presently  the  little 
fellow  returned  alone,  and  approaching  us,  gravely  placed  his 
hand  on  his  breast  as  a  herald-at-arms,  bowed  his  head,  and  said: 

"Most  noble  and  reverend  sirs,  I  am  commanded  by  my 
honored  mother,  the  queen  of  this  island,  to  congratulate  you  on 
the  arrival  from  the  Moluccas  of  another  superb  visitor.  Golden- 
wing,  and  his  wife,  who  have  done  us  the  honor  to  request  ad- 
mission for  the  night  to  the  beautiful  hotel  which  you  have 
constructed." 

In  great  amusement  we  rushed  out,  and  there,  on  the  platform 
in  front  of  the  pigeon-holes,  stood  a  third  pair  of  beautiful  pigeons 
with  gold-colored  wings,  who  were  being  invited  by  the  recent 
arrivals  to  enter  and  join  them. 

We  waited  and  watched  till  we  saw  the  two  strangers  enter,  and 
then  repaired  to  our  dwelling-room  in  the  cavern  to  enjoy  our 
supper,  and  soon  after  we  retired  to  rest,  well  satisfied  with  the 
events  of  the  day. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XXVI 

jack's    adventure — THE    STRANDED    WHALE 

URING  the  evening,  and  the  whole  of  the  next  day, 
we  watched  anxiously  our  pigeon  colony,  and  saw, 
to  our  great  satisfaction,  that  the  birds  were  becom- 
^  ing  quite  reconciled  to  their  new  quarters.  In  a  few 
days  they  commenced  building  their  nests,  and  for 
this  purpose  collected  various  materials. 

Among  these  I  noticed  a  kind  of  green  fibrous  moss,  which  I 
had  sometimes  seen  hanging  on  old  trees  like  monster  untrimmed 
beards.  I  now,  however,  remembered  having  read  that  in  the 
West  Indies  this  moss  was  used  instead  of  horse-hair  for  stuffing 
mattresses  and  other  articles. 

I  at  once  mentioned  this  discovery  to  the  mother,  in  the  hope 
that  she  might  be  able  to  find  it  useful.  Her  imagination  took 
fire  at  once  at  the  sight  of  this  fibrous  material,  and  my  dear  wife 
quickly  expressed  her  wish  that  we  should  gather  as  much  as 
possible  of  this  moss,  for  after  it  had  been  cleaned  and  prepared, 
she  felt  sure  of  being  able  to  stuff  saddles,  mattresses,  pillows,  and 
a  hundred  other  articles  for  our  use. 

The  pigeons  also  from  time  to  time  brought  us  muscatel- 
nuts,  or  nutmegs,  which  no  doubt  grew  on  some  spot  still  un- 
known to  us.  These  my  wife  planted  in  a  piece  of  suitable 
ground,  that  in  time  we  might  have  the  nutmegs  also  near  our 
dwelling. 

Our  pigeons  still  occupied  our  eager  attention.  The  three 
foreigners  and  their  mates  were  by  this  time  quite  happy  in  their 
domicile,  but  the  European  pigeons  multiplied   so  rapidly,  that  I 

[371] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

feared  our  beautiful  favorites  would  be  displaced,  and  at  last 
driven  aw^ay  from  their  nev^^  quarters. 

Being  rather  puzzled  to  find  food  for  so  many,  we  were  at  last 
reluctantly  obliged  to  use  the  European  birds  as  a  supply  of 
nourishment  for  ourselves,  by  roasting  and  cooking  the  overplus 
for  dinner.  We  reduced  our  number  to  five  pairs,  besides  the 
foreigners,  and  for  these  it  was  easy  to  provide. 

During  all  this  time  I  and  the  boys  continued  our  work  in 
the  cave,  with  very  little  incident  to  vary  our  daily  duties,  until 
Jack  met  with  an  adventure  which  broke  the  monotony.  One 
morning,  after  being  absent  for  two  or  three  hours,  he  pre- 
sented himself  before  us  in  a  most  deplorable  condition,  covered 
from  head  to  foot  with  thick  green  mud.  He  carried,  however, 
in  his  arms  a  large  bundle  of  Spanish  canes,  but  he  had  lost  one 
of  his  shoes,  and  looked  ready  to  cry  when  his  brothers  laughed 
at  his  appearance. 

"What  have  you  been  about.?"  I  asked,  checking  the  laughter 
of  the  boys. 

"Gathering  reeds  behind  the  powder  magazine  in  the  marsh. 
I  wanted  to  make  some  baskets  and  cages,  and  I've  got  all  these," 
he  replied,  holding  them  before  me. 

"Why,  they  are  as  dirty  as  you  are,  Jack;  there  was  no  occasion 
to  creep  through  the  duck-pond  for  them." 

"I  didn't,  papa;  at  least,  not  on  purpose;  but  I  saw  such 
beauties  growing  on  the  edge  of  the  marsh,  that  I  couldn't  help 
trying  to  get  at  them.  There  seemed  to  be  tufts  of  firm  earth 
growing  here  and  there,  and  I  jumped  from  one  to  the  other  quite 
safely  till  I  got  near  the  reeds,  and  then  my  foot  slipped  and  in  I 
went,  first  up  to  my  ankles,  and  then  to  my  knees,  and  there  I 
stuck,  and  began  to  scream  with  all  my  might,  but  no  one  came 
to  help  me,  excepting  my  poor  little  jackal." 

"Did  he  come  to  vou  ?"  asked  Ernest. 

"Yes,  indeed,"  replied  the  boy;  "and  set  up  such  a  barking 
and   howling,  that  the    sound  echoed   round    the    rocks  awfully. 

[372] 


ROBINSON 

But  he  couldn't  help  me,  and  no  one  heard  our  cries.  At  last, 
in  my  terror,  I  thought  of  the  reeds;  I  could  just  reach  them  with 
my  hunting-knife.  So  I  cut  down  this  bundle  and  laid  it  on  the 
marshy  pool,  to  form  a  kind  of  bank,  and  while  I  rested  my  body 
upon  it,  I  was  able  to  set  my  legs  free,  but  I  left  one  of  my  shoes 
behind." 

"So  I  perceive,"  I  replied;  "but  how  did  you  manage  to  get 
away  at  last,  Jack  ?" 

"Oh,  papa,  so  funnily,"  he  said,  laughing.  "I  got  astride  the 
bundle  of  reeds,  and  caught  hold  of  the  jackal's  tail.      Of  course 


'I'niMvs ,,in  11,1  ly  1^/ — \^j!~p — ^ — ^= — ; ~ — '■  '■^'  -^>*<^--t 


he  ran  back  to  the  dry  ground  quickly  enough,  but  I  held  fast, 
and  so  he  dragged  me  and  the  reeds  to  the  bank  in  no  time.  But 
I  never  had  such  a  fright  in  my  life  as  when  I  felt  myself  sinking 
in  the  marsh.     I  thought  it  was  all  over  with  me." 

"You  ought  to  thank  God  for  saving  you,  my  boy,"  I  said; 
"and  not  only  also  for  the  poor  animal  being  there  on  the  spot, 
but  that  you  had  the  courage  and  the  presence  of  mind  to  act  as 
you  did." 

While  the  boy  went  with  his  mother  to  be  cleaned  from  the 

[373] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

mud,  I  examined  the  reeds,  and  found  they  were  the  finest  species 
of  Spanish  cane,  which,  when  washed,  would  be  useful  for  many 
things,  and  particularly  in  preparing  parts  of  a  loom  for  my  wife. 

I  commenced  my  task  the  same  day  by  splitting  two  of  the 
largest  reeds  into  four,  to  form  a  frame  for  the  warp.  I  then 
desired  the  boys  to  cut  some  of  the  more  slender  into  small 
pieces,  and  sharpen  them,  for  the  teeth  of  a  comb,  telling  them  at 
the  same  time  not  to  say  a  word  to  their  mother  of  what  we  were 
doing. 

The  treadle  and  the  shuttle  for  the  woof  were  soon  completed, 
and  the  curiosity  of  the  boys  made  them  ask  all  manner  of  ques- 
tions respecting  this  strange  machine,  especially  as  each  part  was 
carefully  set  aside  and  hidden  when  finished. 

At  last  I  told  them  not  to  be  surprised  if  they  found  I  had 
made  a  musical  instrument  called  a  "tum-tum,"  such  as  the  Hot- 
tentots  use,  which  would  play  a  tune  when  their  mother  beat  time 
with  her  foot.  They  knew  I  was  in  joke,  and  laughed  merrily; 
but  when  at  length  the  weaving-loom  was  finished  and  presented 
to  their  mother,  they  quickly  understood  its  value,  and  watched 
her  with  the  greatest  interest  while  she  practised  the  different 
movements. 

Her  great  joy  at  this  unexpected  appearance  of  the  loom  was 
sufficient  reward  to  me  for  my  trouble. 

About  this  time  the  onager  presented  us  with  a  beautiful  little 
foal,  very  much  resembling  herself.  This  promised  to  be  a  great 
addition  in  the  future  to  our  animals  for  riding;  and  as  it  grew 
older,  its  graceful,  rapid  movements  made  me  give  him  the  name 
of  Swift. 

For  several  days  after  I  had  finished  the  loom  we  employed 
ourselves  in  completing  the  preparations  for  winter  in  the  interior 
of  our  grotto.  The  distance  of  fresh  water  was  also  a  difficulty, 
and  would  be  worse  in  winter.  To  obviate  this,  I  determined  to 
erect  a  fountain,  and  to  connect  it  by  pipes  of  hollow  bamboo 
canes  with  the  sago-tree  conduits  at  Zeltheim.     An  open  cask 

[374] 


ROBINSON 

served  as  a  basin  for  our  fountain,  and  a  smaller  one  hung  near 
as  a  kind  of  swinging  trough,  to  receive  the  overflow  of  the  water. 
For  the  present,  imperfect  as  it  was,  it  answered  our  purpose,  and 
my  wife  assured  me  it  gave  her  quite  as  much  pleasure  as  if  it 
were  a  marble  basin  supported  by  sea-horses  or  dolphins. 

As  we  now  each  day  expected  the  commencement  of  the  second 
rainy  season,  it  became  necessary,  while  the  weather  remained 
favorable,  to  gather  in  from  our  gardens  and  plantations  a  store 
of  fruit,  vegetables,  and  roots. 

We  all,  therefore,  employed  ourselves  in  this  work,  and  very 
soon  a  good  supply  of  potatoes,  rice,  guavas,  sweet  acorns,  pine- 
cones,  anise-roots,  and  as  many  of  the  royal  ananas  or  pine- 
apples as  were  ripe  enough  to  pluck. 

A  quantity  of  seeds,  both  native  and  European,  were  also  sown 
in  the  ground  we  cleared,  as  I  expected  that  the  rain  during  the 
winter  would  cause  them  to  spring  up  rapidly. 

To  preserve  the  various  articles  in  our  rock  storehouse  required 
a  larger  number  of  vessels  than  we  had  to  spare,  I  therefore 
begged  the  mother  to  make  a  few  more  sacks  of  sail-cloth.  I 
also  broke  up  the  raft,  that  we  might  make  use  of  the  casks  on 
which  the  flooring  had  rested,  for  our  store  of  roots  and  dried  fruit. 

Our  pigeon-house  could  not  accommodate  more  than  the  three 
pairs  of  foreign  pigeons,  the  five  European  birds,  and  their 
broods.  They  appeared,  however,  very  happy  in  their  home, 
and  always  returned  at  night,  after  being  absent  for  nearly  the 
whole  day.  We  had  fortunately  a  good  store  of  peas  and  grain 
for  them,  and  I  expected  a  large  crop  of  peas  would  be  ready  in 
the  spring,  after  the  rainy  season. 

Winter  approached  rapidly,  ushered  in  by  heavy  clouds,  which 
spread  over  the  horizon,  and  were  followed  by  pelting  showers. 
Then  the  wind  arose  and  blew  violently  from  the  sea,  the  waves 
dashed  in  foam  against  the  rocks,  till  at  length  frightful  storms 
of  thunder  and  lightning  drove  us  to  our  shelter  in  the  cave.  For 
a  time  the  roaring  of  the  troubled  sea,  and  the  echo  of  the  rolling 

[375] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

thunder  among  the  rocks,  accompanied  by  rain  which  came  down, 
as  is  usual  in  tropical  climates,  like  sheets,  not  drops  of  water, 
filled  us  with  consternation. 

In  short,  everything  denoted  the  advance  of  the  rainy  season, 
and  resembled  the  threatening  notes  of  the  overture  to  a  soul- 
stirring  play  representing  the  destruction  of  nature. 

I  calculated  that  this  change  commenced  on  the  first  day  of 
June,  and  as  for  several  days  after  that  date  this  weather  con- 
tinued unsettled,  it  appeared  certain  that  we  should  be  confined 
to  our  winter  quarters  for  at  least  twelve  weeks. 

The  floods  did  not,  however,  pour  in  torrents  from  the  heavens 
for  the  whole  of  each  day;  yet,  as  the  weather  was  still  unfavor- 
able, I  was  glad  that  we  had  already  several  of  the  animals  safely 
installed  in  our  rock  stables.  The  cow  we  had  brought  on  account 
of  her  milk,  and  the  onager  because  the  young  foal  still  wanted 
his  mother's  care.  Grizzle  and  Lightfoot  we  knew  would  be  use- 
ful in  case  of  a  short  period  of  favorable  weather,  to  enable  the 
boys  to  ride  to  Falcon's  Nest,  where  the  rest  of  our  animals  and 
poultry  still  remained.  It  was  necessary  to  look  after  their  com- 
forts in  the  shelter  under  the  tree-roots,  and  also  to  provide  them 
with  a  fresh  store  of  food. 

The  dogs,  the  jackal,  the  monkey,  and  the  eagle  were  also 
residing  with  us  in  the  cave.  They  appeared  happy  and  very 
lively,  in  spite  of  hardships,  and  the  ape  especially  amused  us  by 
his  tricks;  indeed,  the  companionship  of  these  animals  tended 
to  shorten  our  winter  evenings  very  considerably. 

Notwithstanding  our  previous  work  in  the  cave,  we  still  found 
a  great  deal  to  be  done  to  render  it  really  comfortable  in  such 
rough  weather.  One  great  inconvenience  arose  from  the  dark- 
ness in  the  interior.  The  cave  had  only  four  openings  for  light— 
the  door,  and  three  windows,  one  for  our  sitting-rooms,  another 
in  the  workshop,  and  one  which  lighted  the  three  sleeping- 
chambers.  With  the  entrance-door  closed,  the  stables  and  other 
parts  of  the  cave  at  the  back  were  in  total  darkness, 

[376] 


ROBINSON 

However,  a  slight  change  for  the  better  in  the  weather  gave  me 
an  opportunity  for  trying  another  experiment  before  the  rainy 
season  had  really  set  in.  For  this  purpose  I  fixed  one  end  of  a 
long  and  thick  bamboo  cane  firmly  in  the  ground,  near  the  centre 
of  the  cave,  the  upper  end  reaching  the  roof.  jack's  agility 
made  me  choose  him  to  climb  this  pole,  and  to  carry  with  him 
a  pulley  fastened  to  a  stake,  and  a  hammer.  Following  my  in- 
structions, he  drove  into  a  cleft  of  the  rock  the  wooden  stake  upon 
which  the  pulley  was  fastened.  A  long  string  was  passed  through 
the  pulley,  the  ends  of  which  reached  the  ground. 

Jack  now  descended,  and  alighted  on  a  mattress  which  I  had 
placed  on  the  floor  in  case  he  should  slip,  and  held  firmly  one 
end  of  the  string,  while  to  the  other  I  fastened  a  large  lantern 
which  we  had  brought  from  the  wreck. 

This  lantern,  being  filled  with  oil  and  containing  four  wicks, 
burned  brightly;  and  when  I  drew  it  up  to  the  roof  at  the  top  of 
the  bamboo  cane,  the  crystal  walls  sparkled  in  its  light,  and  we 
could  see  to  the  deepest  part  of  the  cave. 

We  could  continue  our  work  now  with  greater  ease;  and  on 
the  next  day  Ernest  and  Frank  busied  themselves  in  fitting  up 
shelves  against  the  wall  of  the  inner  dwelling-room,  to  hold  our 
books,  which  they  arranged  in  rows  in  different  divisions.  Mean- 
while the  mother  and  Jack  placed  the  various  articles  used  for 
cooking  on  a  kind  of  dresser,  which  I  had  formed  of  planks  against 
the  wall  in  the  outer  room,  while  Fritz,  being  the  strongest  of  the 
boys,  assisted  me  in  fitting  up  shelves  and  nails  in  the  workshop 
for  the  glittering  instruments  and  tools  contained  in  the  captain's 
chest,  and  fixing  in  one  corner  his  turning-lathe. 

There  was  also  a  little  forge  that  had  belonged  to  the  ship's 
smith,  a  pair  of  bellows,  and  an  anvil,  all  of  which  we  placed  to- 
gether at  the  opposite  corner.  The  carpenter's  bench  stood  in 
the  centre  of  our  workshop,  and  the  tools  and  other  articles  of  all 
sizes  and  shapes  were  hung  on  the  walls. 

The  enormous  quantity  of  articles  found  in  the  chests  of  the 

[377] 


T^E  SWISS  FAMILY 

ship's  carpenter,  smith,  cooper,  and  tanner  astonished  me,  for 
after  all  we  had  used  there  still  remained  screws,  nails,  pegs, 
door-handles  and  hinges,  holts  and  hooks,  besides  ladders  and 
steps,  and  parts  of  wheelbarrows,  ready  to  put  together  when 
wanted. 

Ernest  and  Frank  had  in  the  meantime  arranged  our  books  in 
classes,  and  I  was  surprised  to  find  what  a  number  we  had. 
Some  of  these  we  had  brought  with  us  from  Europe,  and  others 
were  fortunately  saved  from  the  wreck:  Voyages  and  Travels, 
Natural  Histories  with  colored  engravings,  and  manv  other  learned 
and  interesting  books,  besides  a  box  of  mathematical  and  astro- 
nomical instruments,  maps  and  charts,  and  an  excellent  terrestrial 
globe. 

I  noticed  also  grammars  and  dictionaries  of  various  languages, 
and  among  them  those  of  the  English  tongue,  which  pleased  me 
greatly. 

Fritz  and  Ernest  had  learned  English  at  school,  and  could  speak 
and  write  it  a  little  during  our  stay  in  England.  I  also  had 
studied  this  language,  which  is  principally  used  among  seafaring 
men.  With  French  we  were  all  as  well  acquainted  as  with  our 
own  native  Swiss. 

We  talked  over  all  this  wonderful  library  during  our  evening 
meal,  and  the  boys  were  glad  of  the  opportunity  of  continuing 
the  study  of  languages. 

The  mother,  who  had  become  acquainted  with  a  Dutch  family 
at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  could  express  herself  very  well  in  that 
language.  Jack,  however,  seemed  to  consider  the  Italian  and 
Spanish  languages  much  more  worth  the  trouble  of  learning. 
Spanish,  he  said,  was  such  a  grand-sounding  language. 

After  much  talk,  it  was  decided  that  we  should  all  study  Ger- 
man and  French.  English  and  Dutch  were  to  be  carried  on  by 
the  mother  and  her  two  elder  boys.  Ernest,  however,  wished  to 
learn  Latin,  as  the  root  of  all  languages,  as  well  as  to  continue  his 
favorite  studies  of  natural  history  and  medicine. 

[378] 


ROBINSON 

For  myself,  I  determined  to  search  among  the  books  for  a 
Malay  grammar,  for  it  was  not  at  all  unlikely  that  we  might  have 
a  visit  from  the  natives  of  the  East  India  islands  * 

I  prophesied  that,  after  a  while,  our  castle  in  the  rocks  would 
become  a  perfect  little  Babel,  in  which  we  should  be  addressing 
one  another  in  the  different  languages  of  Europe,  creating  as 
much  confusion  as  those  foolish  builders  of  a  tower  which  they 
intended  should  reach  the  sky. 

There  still  remained  useful  articles  in  the  chests  which  we  had 
not  yet  opened;  and  when  at  last  we  found  time  to  do  so,  many 
unexpected  treasures  presented  themselves — several  looking- 
glasses,  two  console  tables  with  polished  marble  tops,  a  chest  of 
drawers,  two  well-furnished  writing  desks,  and  other  fancy 
articles. 

In  another  chest  we  discovered  a  musical  box,  a  chronometer, 
and  a  sea-watch,  which  I  own  I  did  not  know  how  to  use.  In 
short,  we  found  ourselves  rich  beyond  what  we  had  imagined 
possible;  and,  indeed,  the  twelve  weeks  in  which  we  were  shut 
up  in  our  winter  quarters  passed  away  so  quickly  that  many 
articles  I  had  intended  to  make  were  not  even  begun.  Among 
these  were  a  yoke  for  the  ox  and  the  buffalo,  a  pair  of  carding 
machines  for  the  cotton-wool,  and  a  spinning-reel,  without  which 
the  mother's  work  was  at  a  standstill. 

We  were,  however,  lodged  like  princes,  and  perhaps  should 
have  considered  ourselves  royal  residents  had  we  not  been  re- 
minded each  moment  that  all  this  grandeur  came  from  other 
sources,  and  that  "fine  feathers  make  fine  birds.'*  However,  my 
dear  housefolk  began  to  consider  that  our  winter  residence  ought 
to  have  another  name,  and  wished  it  to  be  rather  a  grand  one. 
I  agreed  at  last  that  it  should  be  called  Rock  Castle. 

Toward  the  end  of  August  the  rainy  season  came  to  an  end; 
at  least,  so  we  had  hoped;  but  the  weather,  although  at  times 
clear,  became  very  stormy,  and   the  rolling  waves  that  broke  so 

^  Now  included  under  the  term  Australasia. 

[  379  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

fiercely  on  the  shore,  from  the  force  of  the  hurricane,  were  fright- 
ful. Rain,  thunder,  and  Hghtning  continued  for  hours  without 
intermission,  and  lashed  the  ocean  into  fury.  It  seemed  as  if  all 
nature  was  given  up  to  destruction,  and  we  were  only  too  thank- 
ful for  the  shelter  of  our  rocky  dwelling,  for  to  have  remained  in 
safety  at  Falcon's  Nest  during  such  weather  would  have  been 
impossible. 

At  length  the  sky  began  to  clear,  and  as  by  degrees  the  wind 
and  storm  subsided,  the  rain  ceased,  and  when  the  sun  appeared, 
we  ventured  to  open  the  door  of  our  noble  republic  and  again 
step  out  into  the  free  air. 

With  wonder  I  remarked  the  strange  signs  of  vegetation  around 
us,  forming  the  most  striking  contrast  to  the  traces  of  destruction 
everywhere  else  visible.  We  walked  toward  the  chain  of  rocks 
near  Jackal  Bay,  and  presently  the  sharp  eyes  of  Fritz  discovered 
something  large  and  round  that  appeared  to  be  lying  on  the  little 
island  near  Flamingo  Marsh.  He  took  it  at  first  for  a  sloop 
capsized  in  the  storm. 

I  examined  the  object  through  my  telescope,  but  even  then  felt 
unable  to  distinguish  what  it  could  possibly  he,  although  it  was 
evidently  not  a  vessel  of  any  kind.  Having  been  so  long  shut  up 
in  the  house,  we  were  all  ready  to  embark  on  board  our  boat  and 
sail  out  at  once  to  the  spot.  But  the  bark  boat  or  pirogue,  which 
we  had  to  fetch  from  its  little  dock  near  Flamingo  Marsh,  was  so 
filled  with  water,  that  after  baling  it  out  and  rearranging  the 
rigging  and  tackle,  we  found  it  too  late  to  start  till  the  following 
day. 

We  were  ready  very  soon  after  breakfast  the  next  morning,  and 
I  went  on  board  with  Fritz  and  Ernest.  Jack,  who  was  the  most 
eager  on  the  matter,  placed  himself  at  the  helm  to  steer. 

As  we  approached,  our  various  conjectures  were  very  amusing; 
but  my  impression,  soon  after  we  started,  proved  correct — a  large 
whale  lay  stranded  on  the  island,  evidently  thrown  there  by  the 
violence  of  the  waves.      I  went  round  the  island  to  discover  a 

[380] 


ROBINSON 

safe  landing-place,  and  entered  at  last  a  little  creek,  from  which 
we  went  on  shore  on  a  sandy  beach. 

I  was  pleased  to  find  that  this  little  island,  which  I  could  cross 
in  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  was  already  in  some  parts  very  fertile, 
and  that  by  care  and  culture  its  fertility  could  be  greatly  increased. 

It  appeared  to  be  the  resort  of  marine  birds,  for  we  found 
several  nests  containing  young  ones,  but  these  my  boys  did  not 
meddle  with,  although  they  collected  several  eggs  to  take  home 
to  their  mother.  ' 

Two  ways  presented  themselves  to  enable  us  to  reach  the 
stranded  whale — one  over  the  rocks,  and  the  other  a  longer  dis- 
tance, but  on  level  ground.  I  chose  the  former,  and  in  my  way 
climbed  to  a  high  point,  from  which  I  could  command  the  whole 
island.     The  boys,  however,  chose  the  level  road. 

The  landscape,  although  fertile,  was  deficient  in  the  growth  of 
trees,  and  formed  in  that  respect  a  great  contrast  to  Falcon's  Nest 
and  the  opposite  coast  near  Zeltheim,  as  well  as  the  shore  near 
Rock  Castle,  all  of  which  I  could  easily  distinguish  from  the 
height  on  which  I  stood.  , 

Presently  joyful  shouts  made  me  turn  to  the  point  at  which  lay 
the  stranded  whale;  but  the  boys,  who  had  not  yet  reached  the 
monster  fish,  were  standing  at  the  foot  of  the  rocks  near  the  shore, 
and  calling  to  me: 

"Papa,  papa,  please  just  stop  a  minute!  We  have  found  such 
a  quantity  of  shell-fish,  and  some  pieces  of  rock  that  look  like 
coral;    do  come  and  look." 

I  descended  to  the  shore,  and  discovered  that  the  violence  of 
the  storm  and  the  force  of  the  waves  had  thrown  up  quantities 
of  shell-fish  and  broken  off  portions  of  a  coral  rock. 

"What  is  coral,  papa.?"  asked  Jack. 

"  It  is  in  some  wonderful  manner  produced  by  a  small  creature, 
a  kind  of  polypus.  Many  thousands  of  these  creatures  live  in 
societies  like  ants;  they  pile  the  coral  to  form  their  curious  dwell- 
ings one  upon  another,  until  they  become  coral  rocks  of  large 

[381] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

size,  and  when  they  reach  the  sea  the  surface  of  these  rocks  is 
fertihzed  by  rain  and  the  influence  of  the  atmosphere,  and  they 
become  coral  islands." 

"Why,  papa,"  said  Fritz,  "the  coral  might  be  said  to  belong 
to  the  three  natural  kingdoms,  the  animal,  the  vegetable,  and  the 
mineral,  for  it  grows  in  the  form  of  the  branches  of  trees  and 
shrubs,  it  is  the  work  of  a  worm,  and  the  coral  is  as  hard  as 
stone." 

"Your  remark  is  quite  right,  Fritz;  and  indeed  the  coral  in- 
sect may  be  said  to  belong  to  the  crustaceous  animals,  and  the 
cells  which  they  build  for  dwellings  in  such  a  wonderful  manner 
are  calcareous,  and  become  hardened  by  the  influence  of  the 
water." 

"What  an  immense  beast  it  is!"  said  Fritz,  as  we  approached 
the  whale.  "  It  does  not  appear  half  so  large  at  a  distance.  I 
wish  it  could  be  useful  to  us,  but  I'm  afraid  there  will  not  be 
much  gained  out  of  such  a  great  carcase." 

"Oh!"  exclaimed  Ernest,  "you  forget  that  the  blubber  and  the 
whalebone  are  useful  as  well  as  the  skin;  yet  I  like  all  this  supply 
of  shell-fish  best." 

"Well,"  I  replied,  "I  think  this  inspection  will  content  us  for 
the  present.  After  dinner  no  doubt  the  sea  will  have  become 
calmer,  and  we  can  return  and  see  whether  the  stranded  whale 
cannot  be  found  as  useful  as  any  other  of  our  discoveries." 

The  young  people  readily  turned  to  retrace  their  steps,  ex- 
cepting perhaps  Ernest,  who  appeared  to  wish  to  be  left  alone  on 
the  island,  like  a  real  Robinson  Crusoe. 

"Thank  God,  my  boy,"  I  said,  cheerfully,  "that  He  has  not 
gratified  your  wish,  but  surrounded  you  with  dear  parents  and 
brothers,  instead  of  condemning  you  to  the  lonely  life  of  a  man 
separated  from  all  his  species.  God  has  created  man  for  society, 
and  although  the  entertaining  story  of  Robinson  Crusoe  is  em- 
bellished with  poetic  fancies  quite  delightful  to  read,  yet  his 
lonely  position  must  have  been  full  of  sadness.     We  can  look 

1 382] 


ROBINSON 

upon  ourselves  as  a  whole  family  of  real  Robinsons,  but  far  better 
off,  because  we  have  each  other  for  companions." 

By  this  time  we  had  reached  the  boat,  and  stepped  on  board. 
But  the  boys  found  it  a  heavy  task  to  row  through  the  tossing 
waves,  and  I  had  to  exert  my  whole  strength  to  steer,  as  well  as  to 
bale  out  the  water  with  which  the  dashing  waves  constantly 
filled  it. 

"Ah!"  I  said,  "if  we  could  only  find  some  large  clockwork 
wheels  about  the  size  of  those  in  a  tower-clock,  we  might  very 
possibly   proceed   without   troubling  ourselves." 

"Why,  papa,"  said  Fritz,  "there  are  two  large  iron  wheels  in 
our  rock  castle,  and  two  spits  which  mamma  uses  for  roasting; 
could  not  we  fix  them  on  the  boat .?" 

"Possibly,"  I  replied;  "but  until  they  are  fixed  we  must  use 
our  arms  and  shoulders  at  the  oars.  In  the  meantime,  dear  Fritz, 
thank  you  for  the  hint,  which  may  perhaps  be  carried  out." 

"Can  coral  be  made  useful,  papa  ?"  asked  Jack,  as  we  walked 
from  the  shore  to  our  home  in  the  rocks. 

"Yes,"  I  replied,  "in  many  ways.  It  is  ground  to  powder  and 
used  by  chemists  in  preparing  medicine.  Necklaces  and  other 
ornaments  made  of  the  red  coral  are  worn  by  European  ladies, 
and  even  those  pieces  you  have  picked  up  can  be  placed  as  orna- 
ments on  the  shelves  of  our  library." 

We  talked  about  the  coral  insect  during  dinner,  for  the  mother 
and  little  Frank  were  delighted  with  the  pieces  we  brought  home, 
and  they  both  expressed  a  wish  to  accompany  us  in  the  afternoon 
if  the  sea  were  calm,  that  they  might  have  a  look  at  the  great 
whale  and  the  coral  reef. 

"I  should  Hke  to  see  this  great  creature,"  said  my  wife,  "and 
you  can  easily  tow  the  empty  herring-casks  behind  the  boat. 
You  will  be  sure  to  find  them  useful." 

"Of  course  I  can,"  I  replied;  "thank  you  for  the  hint;  but  the 
sea  is  a  capricious  patron,  and  although  it  is  calm  now,  it  may 
not   continue   so,   and,   after   detaining   us  till    we  were   nearly 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Starving,  might  send  us  home  across  the  marsh  in  a  miserable 
condition." 

The  weather,  however,  promised  to  be  favorable,  so  I  deter- 
mined to  fasten  behind  our  boat  the  empty  herring-casks,  to  be 
filled  with  the  useful  parts  of  the  whale,  especially  the  train  oil. 
I  had  long  wished  to  be  able  to  burn  a  light  in  our  lantern  all 
night,  and  therefore  the  blubber  of  the  creature  would  supply  us 
with  a  most  valuable  store.  The  boys  loaded  the  empty  casks 
with  tools  and  firearms,  and  foot-straps  to  enable  them  to  mount 
the  great  fish. 

Our  progress  with  the  boat  was  as  difficult  as  in  the  morning, 
although  the  sea  was  calmer,  and  was  performed  amid  many 
sighs  from  the  boys,  as  they  rowed  against  the  tide;  with  all  our 
efforts  we  could  not  on  this  account  land  near  the  whale;  it  was 
therefore  necessary  to  place  our  boat  and  the  casks  in  a  place  of 
safety  while  we  proceeded  on  foot  to  the  spot  where  it  lay. 

At  first  sight  of  the  enormous  mass,  my  wife  and  Frank  were 
quite  startled;  and  no  wonder,  for  I  conjectured  that  the  whale 
could  not  be  less  than  sixty  feet  long,  and  nearly  thirty  feet  in 
thickness  near  the  head,  and  in  weight  it  must  have  exceeded 
two  hundred  tons. 

The  most  remarkable  thing  appeared,  however,  to  be  the  fact 
that  the  head  should  be  one-third  the  length  of  the  whole  body, 
and  the  eyes  not  larger  than  those  of  an  ox.  The  interior  of  the 
jaw  was  lined  with  long,  dark,  and  flexible  bones,  some  of  them 
in  the  roof  of  the  mouth  being  at  least  ten  or  twelve  feet  long. 

These,  I  told  the  boys,  were  called  "whalebone,"  and  very 
useful  in  many  ways,  as  well  as  a  most  valuable  article  of 
commerce. 

Another  circumstance  that  surprised  us  all  was  the  size  of  the 
tongue,  which  if  removed  would  have  weighed  nearly  a  thousand 
pounds.  The  deep  abyss  of  the  frightful  throat  also  created 
great  surprise  among  the  boys,  and  Fritz  expressed  his  wonder 
that  such  an  enormous  monster  should  have  such  a  small  gullet. 

[384] 


R  O   B  I  N  S  O  N 

And  this  wonder  was  natural,  for  it  appeared  scarcely  large  enough 
to  admit  my  arm. 

"The  whale  cannot  certainly  be  able  to  swallow  anything  but 
small  fish,"  said  Fritz. 

"The  whale  in  this  particular  resembles  slightly  some  of  our 
large  land  animals,"  I  replied,  "  excepting  that  they  live  on  plants 
and  seeds  as  ordained  by  nature.  The  whale,  on  the  contrary, 
feeds  on  small  fish,  and  even  worms  and  insects;  its  special  food 
is  a  small  sea-insect  like  a  lobster,  found  in  immense  numbers  in 
the  icy  seas  of  the  North  and  South  Poles.  These  are  swallowed 
in  large  quantities  by  the  whale  in  the  water  he  drinks.  This 
water  he  sometimes  discharges  through  his  nostrils  with  a  force 
that  resembles  a  waterspout,  especially  when  attacked  by  whale- 
fishers.  Such  a  volume  of  water,  as  it  rises  in  the  air  with  steam 
and  foam,  will  often  capsize  the  boat,  and  endanger  the  lives  of 
the  fishers.  But  we  must  now  commence  our  work  with  this 
leviathan,  or  evening  will  come  upon  us  before  we  are  aware." 

Fritz  and  Jack  instantly  slipped  on  the  foot-straps,  and,  mount- 
ing on  the  back  of  the  whale,  ran  over  the  monster  from  the  tail 
to  the  head.  I  then  desired  Fritz  to  cut  off  the  upper  lip  with 
his  hatchet,  while  I  separated  the  lower  part  from  the  jaw  with 
my  chopper.  This  exposed  the  whalebone,  and  gave  me  an  op- 
portunity to  remove  from  the  head  nearly  a  hundred  strips.  The 
mother,  assisted  by  Ernest  and  Frank,  then  took  possession  of 
the  whalebone  and  carried  it  to  the  boat,  while  I  and  the  other 
boys  were  exerting  our  utmost  strength  in  separating  from  the 
whale  a  portion  of  the  skin. 

All  at  once  appeared  a  number  of  uninvited  spectators  of  our 
work.  The  air  was  filled  with  carrion  birds  of  all  descriptions, 
while  their  numbers  seemed  to  increase  every  minute.  They 
whirled  round  us  in  a  circle,  and  at  last  alighted  on  the  prey  with 
such  greediness  and  boldness,  that  they  positively  snatched  away 
the  pieces  of  flesh  w^e  had  cut  off  even  before  our  eyes. 

The  question  now  arose,  which  would   prove  the  stronger,  the 

[  385  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

feathered  or  unfeathered  claimants  for  the  dead  whale  ?  And  we 
were  obliged  to  strike  right  and  left  with  our  tools  to  destroy  our 
invaders. 

Gladly  the  mother  gathered  up  the  dead  and  wounded  birds, 
for  the  sake  of  the  feathers. 

After  this  I  separated  from  the  whale  a  part  of  the  entrails  and 
the  sinews  or  muscles  of  the  tail;  but  these  I  decided  to  leave  till 
the  morning,  as  I  knew  we  had  already  quite  enough  for  a  boat- 
load. I  only  waited,  therefore,  to  cut  a  piece  from  the  wonder- 
ful tongue,  which  I  had  read  was  considered  a  delicate  dish  by 
Europeans. 

By  this  time  evening  w^as  approaching,  and  after  loading  our 
boat  and  the  casks  with  a  heavy  freight,  we  rowed  out  vigorously 
to  sea,  with  eager  anxiety  to  reach  home  as  soon  as  possible,  and 
purify  ourselves  after  this  horrible  em.ployment. 

Next  morning  early  we  again  started  in  our  boat  to  the  island, 
but  my  wife  and  Frank  remained  on  shore  this  time,  for  the  work 
would  be,  as  I  knew,  most  disgusting  and  unpleasant,  the  entrails 
of  the  animal,  and  other  parts  containing  blubber  or  train  oil, 
having  to  be  removed. 

We  found  the  Greenlander  safe  on  the  same  spot,  and  sur- 
rounded by  a  still  greater  number  of  these  bold  carrion  birds, 
that  almost  deafened  us  with  their  cries. 

Before  commencing  our  task  we  dressed  ourselves  in  jackets, 
vests,  and  coarse  shirts,  which  my  wife  had  searched  for  in  one 
of  the  sea-chests,  to  preserve  our  other  clothes  from  pollution, 
and  then  the  work  began  in  earnest. 

After  disembowelling  the  monster,  we  threw  the  refuse  to  a 
distance,  to  attract  the  birds  away  from  us,  only  retaining  those 
parts  most  suitable  for  producing  train  oil,  and  also  long  pieces 
of  the  skin. 

This  work  occupied  the  whole  day,  and  we  were  beginning  to 
feel  both  hungry  and  thirsty,  for  we  had  not  been  able  to  eat  much 
while  working.     Before   sunset,   however,    I    felt   satisfied   with 

[.S86] 


ROBINSON 


O 
< 

o 


> 
m 
O 


ROBINSON 

what  we  had  obtained  from  the  whale.  We  therefore  returned 
with  our  spoils  to  the  boat,  and  after  a  refreshing  bath,  during 
which  we  found  some  large  sea-shells,  we  hastened  on  board  and 
rowed  toward  home. 

While  on  our  way,  jack  said: 

"  Papa,  what  made  you  so  anxious  to  bring  away  all  these  dis- 
agreeable parts  of  the  whale  ?     What  use  are  they  .?" 

"Of  great  use  to  mankind,"  I  replied.  "In  countries  where 
no  trees  grow  to  provide  wood  for  casks,  and  no  hemp  to  make 
ropes,  the  inhabitants,  such  as  the  Greenlanders,  the  Esquimaux, 
and  the  Samoiedans,  find  substitutes  for  these  articles  in  parts  of 
the  whale — the  entrails  for  one  purpose,  and  the  sinews  for  the 
other.  The  finer  parts  of  the  latter  they  use  as  thread  for  sewing 
their  clothes  and  boots,  while  the  former  is  as  valuable  to  them 
as  to  us,  for  it  produces  lamp  or  train  oil.  The  sinews  are  also 
useful  in  many  countries  to  make  strings  for  musical  instruments, 
little  air-balloons,  and — " 

"What,  papa!"  they  all  exclaimed,  "air-balloons!  Oh!  you 
cannot  mean  those  large  ones  which  carry  people  through  the 
air! 

"No,  my  children,"  I  replied,  "only  those  which  are  to  ascend 
in  a  room.  Large  air-balloons  are  made  of  silk,  and  varnished 
with  caoutchouc  to  render  them  air-tight.  This  is  covered  with  a 
net  of  silken  string,  to  which  is  attached  the  car  or  basket  in 
which  the  aeronaut  is  seated.  The  upper  part  of  the  balloon  is 
then  filled  with  gas,  and  as  gas  is  lighter  than  air,  the  balloon 
rises  and  floats  easily  among  the  clouds,  and  often  above  them." 

"But  how  is  gas  made  .?"  asked  Jack. 

"You  have  seen  gas  often.  Jack,"  I  said,  "when  a  coal  in  the 
fire  sends  forth  a  kind  of  light  smoke  in  a  thin  line;  this  some- 
times catches  fire,  and  a  little  clear  flame  bursts  forth,  causing  a 
bright  light.  The  smoke  which  precedes  the  flame  is  so  light, 
that  burned  paper  or  even  leaves  are  carried  upward  upon  it. 
This  gas  is  now  likely  to  be  made  useful  for  many  purposes  by 

[389] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

scientific  men,  who  assert  that,  after  a  time,  we  shall  be  able  to 
light  our  streets  and  houses  with  gas,  instead  of  candles  or  oil 
lamps/ 

After  this,  I  explained  to  my  boys  something  of  the  process  by 
which  the  strings  of  musical  instruments  are  prepared  from  the 
entrails  of  animals.  In  the  midst  of  this  conversation  we  reached 
the  shore,  where  the  good  mother  was  expecting  us;  but  she  did 
not  receive  us  with  a  very  friendly  countenance,  when  she  noticed 
the  unpleasant  odor  from  our  cargo,  the  richness  and  value  of 
which  she  could  not  believe  in. 

On  arriving  at  Rock  Castle,  the  whole  of  the  unpleasant  ma- 
terials were  concealed  behind  the  rocks,  until  they  could  be  again 
brought  out,  and  cleansed  and  dried  on  the  morrow;  and  then, 
after  refreshing  ourselves  with  water  and  changing  our  clothes, 
the  mother  admitted  us  at  last  into  the  rock  house,  where  a  plenti- 
ful supper  had  been  prepared  for  us,  to  our  great  content. 

*  The  readers  of  this  story  will  no  doubt  understand  that  in  1813  the  streets, 
houses,  and  shop  windows,  even  in  London,  were  lighted  only  with  oil  lamps 
or  candles.  The  custom  of  using  gas,  now  so  general,  was  only  talked  about 
then  as  an  experiment  that  might  possibly  succeed. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XXVII 


ROWING    BY   MACHINERY — THE    TURTLE 

L  commenced  our  unpleasant  task  early  next  morn- 
ing by  loading  the  wheeled  sledge  with  the  spoil, 
and  carrying  away  the  disgusting  odor  of  train  oil 
as  far  as  possible  from  our  dwelling. 

The  result  of  this  work,  however,  was  not  to  be 
despised.  We  filled  several  casks  with  rarefied  fat  and  oil 
thoroughly  purified  by  fire,  and  during  our  absence  the  mother 
and  Frank  plucked  and  cleaned  the  birds,  some  of  which 
proved  eatable,  but  the  remainder  were  not  wasted,  for  the 
refuse  formed  a  very  acceptable  feast  to  our  animals,  includ- 
ing the  ducks  and  geese.  The  feathers  also  were  of  great  value 
to  us. 

After  all  these  undertakings  were  completed,  my  wife  proposed 
that  we  should  establish  a  new  colony  on  the  island  on  which  the 
whale  had  been  stranded,  as  it  appeared  to  be  free  from  apes 
and  wild  beasts.  This  proposition  gave  me  great  pleasure;  and, 
as  usual  with  anything  new,  the  boys  were  delighted.  They 
were  ready  to  spring  into  the  boat  at  once  had  I  not  reminded 
them  that  we  must  wait  for  suitable  weather,  and  also  that  the 
boat  required  to  be  cleansed  from  the  consequences  of  its  last 
cargo. 

I  then  also  recalled  to  Fritz  his  remark  respecting  the  two 
iron  wheels  and  the  roasting -spits.  He  was,  of  course,  eager 
to  find  them  for  me;  and  while  the  boys  cleaned  the  boat,  I 
endeavored  to  carry  out  the  idea  of  assisting  the  progress  of  the 

[391] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

new  vessel  by  wheels  on  each  side,  to  be  turned  by  wind,  or 
water,  or  both.* 

I  chose  the  strongest  of  the  spits,  and  passed  it  through  the 
two  sides  of  the  boat  below  the  hanging  seats,  resting  it  upon  a 
square  piece  of  iron  in  the  centre,  to  which  it  was  fastened.  The 
ends  projected  beyond  the  boat  on  each  side,  and  upon  these 
ends  I  placed  the  wheels,  to  turn  as  on  an  axis.  In  each  end  of 
the  spit  I  managed  to  drill  a  hole  for  the  linch-pin,  to  keep  the 
wheels  in  place. 

In  front  of  these  I  arranged  two  smaller  wheels,  formed  of 
whalebone,  to  turn  in  the  wind  like  a  windmill,  and  the  action  of 
these  as  they  touched  the  larger  wheels  caused  them  to  move, 
and  propelled  the  boat  forward.^ 

When  all  this  was  finished,  I  proposed  a  trial  trip  to  the  boys, 
w^hich  proposal  they  received  with  great  joy.  They  wished  to 
proceed  at  once  to  the  island,  but  it  was  already  late,  and  we 
therefore  could  only  make  this  trial  for  a  short  distance  toward 
Deliverance  Bay. 

Our  success  was  delightful.  There  was  just  enough  wind  to 
turn  the  windmill  wheels  pleasantly,  and  we  glided  along  upon 
the  water  with  surprising  rapidity.  I  promised,  however,  that 
on  the  following  day  we  would  all  embark  on  board  the  boat, 
and  take  with  us  enough  provisions  for  a  long  voyage,  to  the 
promontory  of  False  Hope,  to  Prospect  Hill,  and  Wood  Grange, 
to  inspect  our  little  colony  of  animals. 

This  proposal  caused  great  joy.  Then  followed  the  preparation 
of  arms  and  a  store  of  provisions  with  such  earnestness,  that  at  last 
the  boys  betook  themselves,  tired,  to  bed,  to  dream  of  the  morrow. 

*  The  original  of  this  tale  was  written  in  1813,  therefore  the  movement  of 
paddle-wheels  by  steam  was  at  this  time  very  little  known,  and  less  under- 
stood. The  author  had,  however,  no  doubt  heard  of  the  talked-of  invention, 
and  he  lived  long  enough  to  see  it  carried  out,  not  only  for  steamships,  but  in 
railway  travelling. 

^  This  contrivance  is  often  made  use  of  in  erecting  a  vane  or  weathercock. 
A  very  clever  instance  of  this  may  be  seen  at  the  Bow  Station  on  the  North 
London  Railway  line. 

[39^] 


ROBINSON 

Among  this  store  was  a  piece  of  the  whale's  tongue,  which  my 
wife  had  salted  and  boiled.  It  was  carefully  packed  in  fresh 
leaves  and  placed  in  a  tin  can  to  take  with  us,  at  the  earnest 
request  of  Frank,  who  said  it  looked  delicious. 

We  were  ready  betimes  next  morning;  and,  after  placing  our 
provisions  on  board,  my  wife  and  the  boys  arranged  themselves 
comfortably  in  the  boat,  while  I  placed  myself  at  the  helm,  and 
steered  into  the  current  that  flowed  from  the  Jackal  River  to 
the  sea.  Very  soon  Whale  Island  was  left  behind,  and  my  ma- 
chine performed  its  part  so  cleverly,  that  we  in  a  short  time  found 
ourselves  approaching  the  coast  lying  beneath  Prospect  Hill. 

I  steered  for  a  little  distance  along  the  shore,  which  presented 
a  most  attractive  appearance  from  the  water,  although  a  great 
contrast  to  the  wooded  region  of  Falconhurst,  or  the  rocks  at 
Zeltheim. 

The  landscape  presented  to  our  view  a  rismg  ground,  com- 
mencing to  the  right  at  the  foot  of  the  ridge  of  rocks  which,  with 
its  fertile  growth  of  plants  and  shrubs  in  full  flower,  looked  like 
a  terrace  garden.  To  the  left  lay  Whale  Island,  green  even  to 
the  water's  edge,  while  the  dark-blue  waves  of  the  ocean  broke 
over  the  shore  with  a  rippling  sound.  Beyond  lay  the  trees  of 
Wood  Grange,  decked  in  the  pale -green  foliage  of  spring,  and 
crowned  by  the  cocoanuts  and  palm-trees  of  Prospect  Hill. 

I  steered  our  little  skiff  to  the  shore  near  Wood  Grange,  and, 
stepping  out  of  the  boat,  we  sought  the  shade  of  some  large  cocoa- 
nut-trees  which  grew  near;  I  wished  also  to  carry  a  few  young 
plants  back  in  the  boat,  to  increase  our  plantation  at  Zeltheim. 

We  had  scarcely  landed  when  the  crow  of  a  cock  in  the  distance 
reminded  us  of  our  European  home  and  of  a  legend  of  my  country, 
that  the  crow  of  a  cock  indicates  to  the  tired  traveller  the  existence 
of  a  home  concealed  by  trees,  and  a  hospitable  roof  beneath 
which  he  can  be  sheltered  and  made  welcome. 

I  saw  how  deeply  my  wife  was  moved  by  the  sound,  and  I 
hastened  to  control  my  own  emotion    by  entering  at  once  into 

[393] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

the  business  of  cutting  shoots  from  the  cocoanut-trees,  and  speak- 
ing to  the  boys  in  loud  tones. 

After  collecting  all  we  required,  we  again  stepped  into  the  boat, 
and  steered  toward  Prospect  Hill.  I  remembered  a  little  bay 
there,  on  which  I  determined  to  land,  beneath  the  shade  of  some 
tall  mangrove-trees  which  grow  chiefly  on  the  sea-coast.  The 
mangrove  pushes  forth  from  the  roots  long,  dry  branches,  which 
cover  the  shore  and  protect  it  from  the  fury  of  the  waves. 

We  gathered  several  shoots  also  from  these  trees,  which  were 
tied  in  bundles  and  placed  in  the  boat,  and  then  we  climbed  up 
Prospect  Hill,  and  descending  on  the  inland  side,  proceeded  to 
our  new  farm.  All  appeared  in  order  and  comfort,  and  the  num- 
ber of  sheep,  goats,  and  fowls  had  greatly  increased;  but  I  was 
surprised  to  find  that  they  fled  at  our  approach,  and  not  only  the 
lambs,  kids,  and  chickens,  but  even  the  parent  animals  and  fowls 
who  had  been  so  tame. 

My  boys  after  their  voyage  had  a  longing  for  fresh  eggs  and 
goats'  milk;  but  when  at  last  they  attempted  to  catch  one  of  the 
goats,  she  butted  at  them,  and  kept  them  at  a  distance.  I  con- 
trived after  a  while  to  throw  a  string  round  her  hind  legs,  which 
brought  her  to  a  standstill,  and  then  they  fed  her  with  potatoes 
and  salt,  while  my  wife  milked  her,  and  brought  us  two  cocoanuts 
full  of  the  sweet  fresh  milk.  One  of  these  we  saved  to  drink  with 
our  dinner,  the  other  my  wife  poured  into  an  empty  flask  to  take 
home  with  her.  After  this,  Fritz  released  the  legs  of  the  goat  and 
set  her  free. 

We  had  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  eggs,  for  when  my  wife  threw 
rice  and  oats  to  them,  the  hens  rushed  from  their  nests,  and  the 
boys  carried  away  a  few  eggs  from  each. 

By  this  time  we  were  all  ready  for  dinner,  though  our  provisions 
were  cold,  having  been  cooked  at  home,  for  cooking  on  the  jour- 
ney would  have  delayed  us  too  long.  We  had  been  looking  for- 
ward to  the  piece  of  the  whale's  tongue  as  a  great  treat;  but  the 
first  taste  was  enough :   the  supposed  delicacy  could  scarcely  have 

[394] 


ROBINSON 

been  eaten  by  a  sailor  with  the  appetite  of  an  ostrich,  and  we  were 
obHged  to  throw  it  to  the  jackal,  the  only  animal  we  had  brought 
with  us. 

A  search  for  sugar-canes,  to  take  away  the  horrid  oily  taste, 
was  necessary  before  we  could  make  our  dinner  on  what  was  left 
of  the  mother's  store  and  the  goat's  milk. 

After  dinner  we  descended  to  the  shore  and  stepped  on  board 
the  boat,  with  the  intention  of  sailing  round  Cape  False  Hope; 
but  the  cape  well  deserved  its  name,  for  on  reaching  the  other 
side  of  the  promontory,  we  came  suddenly  on  a  large  sand-bank 
running  far  out  into  the  sea.  It  was  so  high  and  so  broad,  that 
at  low  tide  I  could  have  walked  over  it  easily. 

The  spot  was  surrounded  by  rocks  and  reefs,  and  I  felt  truly 
that  I  had  brought  all  my  dear  ones  into  great  danger.  I  quickly 
steered  my  boat  round  from  the  place,  and  fortunately  found  a 
current  of  water  in  which  it  could  float.  We  hoisted  a  sail,  and 
a  fresh  breeze  springing  up,  carried  us  back  quickly  toward  Whale 
Island;  but  before  we  reached  it,  a  singular  spectacle  presented 
itself  at  the  end  of  the  sand-bank.  It  appeared  to  me  at  first 
like  a  ridge  of  black  rocks;  but  as  I  examined  it  more  atten- 
tively, I  could  distinguish  a  troupe  of  sea-dogs,  roaring  and 
barking,  yet  seemingly  at  play  with  each  other.  We  lost  no 
time  after  this  in  escaping  from  the  neighborhood  of  such  dread- 
ful animals. 

On  arriving  at  Whale  Island,  I  went  to  work  at  once  to  plant 
the  young  trees  on  this  seemingly  fertile  spot,  with  the  ready  help 
of  the  boys;  but  when  this  was  accomplished,  they  appeared  dis- 
inclined to  do  anything  more  than  wander  about  and  gather  shell- 
fish and  coral. 

Presently  I  heard  Jack  approaching,  and  crying  out  at  the  top 
of  his  voice: 

"Papa!  mamma!  do  come  and  see!  I  have  found  a  skeleton — 
a  frightful  thing!  I  am  sure  it  must  be  the  skeleton  of  a  mam- 
moth.    Do  come." 

»6  [  395  ] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

"My  boy,"  I  said,  laughing,  "you  have  seen  the  skeleton  of  the 
whale,  no  doubt." 

"No,  no,"  he  cried;  "they  are  not  fish-bones,  papa,  but  large, 
strong  animal  bones  and  joints.  The  whale  must  have  floated 
out  to  sea  again;  this  creature  is  much  longer  and  higher  out  of 
the  water." 

I  was  about  to  follow  him  to  this  wonderful  sight,  when  an- 
other voice  from  an  opposite 
direction  cried: 

"Papa,  papa,  pray  come! 
Here  is  an  enormous  turtle! 
He's  pulling  me  into  the  water 
— pray  come!" 

This  appeal  came  from  Er- 
nest, and  was  of  far  more  im- 
portance than  Jack's  skeleton, 
and,  snatching  up  an  oar,  I 
rushed  to  his  assistance.  A 
few  steps  brought  me  to  the 
spot,  where  I  found  Ernest 
holding  by  the  foot  an  enor- 
mous turtle. 

Quickly  I  approached,  and, 
using  the  oar  as  a  lever,  placed 
the  end  under  the  turtle  to  turn 
him  over  on  his  back.  It  re- 
quired, however,  the  united 
strength  of  Ernest  and  myself 
to  perform  this  task. 

It  was  most  certainly  a 
creature  of  unusual  size,  and 
I  imagined  would  measure 
eight  feet  in  length  and  five  in  thickness.  Being  now  unable 
to  help  himself  or  turn  over,  we  left  the  turtle  in  safety,  while 

[396] 


ROBINSON 

we  all  hastened  to  another  spot,  to  behold  Jack's  skeleton  of 
a  mammoth. 

I  quickly  discovered  that  it  was  nothing  more  than  the  skele- 
ton of  the  whale,  the  flesh  of  which  had  been  so  completely 
stripped  by  the  birds  from  the  bones,  that  they  stood  out  clean 
and  white,  with  not  a  morsel  remaining.  Even  had  I  not  rec- 
ognized the  creature  by  its  form,  I  should  have  felt  no  doubt  on 
the  matter,  for  the  prints  of  our  feet  were  still  visible  in  the  sand 
around  it. 

"What  on  earth  made  you  take  such  an  idea  into  your  head, 
my  boy,"  I  said,  "that  this  was  the  skeleton  of  a  mammoth  .?" 

"Well,  papa,  it  was  not  my  own  idea,  but  our  learned  professor, 
Ernest,  made  me  think  it  was  a  mammoth  by  what  he  said  in 
joke,  I  suppose." 

"And  do  you  believe  all  that  is  told  you,  without  question  ?"  I 
asked. 

"Not  always,  papa;  but  I  thought  a  whale  would  be  sure  to 
have  the  bones  of  a  fish,  and  not  like  those  of  animals." 

"No,  my  little  man,"  I  replied;  "the  whale  partakes  of  both 
natures,  and,  to  enable  it  to  swim,  its  bones  are  hollow,  and  the 
cavities  are  filled  with  air;  but  in  their  form  and  appearance  they 
certainly  more  closely  resemble  those  of  a  land  animal  than  those 
of  a  fish.  The  bones  of  birds  are  also  hollow,  and  filled  with  air, 
which  renders  them  buoyant  and  able  to  fly.  We  perceive  in  this 
the  wisdom  of  the  Creator,  who  gives  to  all  creatures  the  powers 
they  most  need  to  preserve  life." 

"Papa,"  said  Fritz,  "I  think  we  might  call  this  a  mountain  of 
bones,  as  an  author  in  our  fatherland  once  named  the  elephant. 
Can  we  not  make  some  use  of  it  ?" 

"By-and-by,  perhaps,  when  the  action  of  the  waves  and  the 
influence  of  the  sun  have  whitened  the  bones,  we  may  find  out 
what  to  do  with  our  skeleton.  But  we  must  get  home  before  sun- 
set, and  I  do  not  wish  to  leave  that  great  turtle  behind,  yet  how^ 
we  are  to  move  such  an  enormous  mass  I  cannot  imagme.' 

[  397  1 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Papa,"  cried  Fritz,  "why  not  make  him  tow  us  to  land  as  we 
did  the  turtle  we  caught  in  the  boat  ?" 

"A  capital  idea,  my  boy,"  I  replied;  "come  and  assist  me  in 
carrying  it  out." 

I  jumped  on  board,  followed  by  Fritz,  and  in  a  few  minutes  I 
had  emptied  one  of  the  fresh  water-casks,  and  tied  it  with  a  strong 
rope  to  the  fore  part  of  the  boat.  The  other  end  of  the  cord  was 
fastened  to  the  shell  and  fore  legs  of  the  turtle,  and  after  turning 
him  over,  we  hastily  took  our  places  in  the  boat. 

I  seated  myself  in  the  prow,  with  my  hatchet  in  readiness  to  cut 
the  rope  in  case  of  danger. 

Finding  himself  free  to  move,  the  turtle  rushed  into  the  water, 
dragging  the  boat  after  him,  but  the  rope  attached  to  the  empty 
cask  prevented  him  from  diving;  he,  therefore,  could  only  swim 
steadily  toward  the  opposite  shore,  drawing  our  little  skiff  after 
him  as  if  he  had  been  a  towing-boat. 

The  boys  were  highly  amused,  and  Ernest  laughingly  declared 
that  our  new  aquatic  carriage  was  like  Neptune's  car,  drawn  by 
dolphins.  I  was  able  to  guide  the  boat  toward  Deliverance  Bay 
by  striking  the  water  with  the  oar  to  the  right  or  left  when  I  wished 
our  sea-horse  to  turn  in  an  opposite  direction.  We  landed  at  last 
safely,  and,  after  conducting  the  boat  to  its  place  of  shelter,  I  was 
obliged  to  take  the  life  of  the  turtle,  for  I  feared  his  great  size  and 
strength  would  render  it  impossible  for  us  to  keep  him  a  prisoner. 

I  wanted  the  shell  also  for  another  fountain,  and  the  flesh  was 
always  an  acceptable  dish  to  us  all.  My  wife  prepared  a  portion 
of  it  for  our  supper,  of  which  we  all  partook  with  an  appetite,  for 
our  disappointment  at  dinner-time  in  the  whale's  tongue  had 
made  us  rather  hungry. 

It  was  my  intention  at  the  end  of  the  rainy  season  to  set  apart 
about  an  acre  of  land,  in  which  to  sow  the  various  kinds  of  seeds 
my  wife  had  so  carefully  preserved;  but  many  other  necessary 
duties  had  presented  themselves,  so  that  the  summer  was  too 
close  at  hand  for  me  to  carry  out  my  purpose. 

[398] 


ROBINSON 

My  animals  were  also  still  unused  to  the  yoke.  I  resolved, 
therefore,  to  set  aside  the  field  work  till  just  before  the  next  rainy 
season,  and  in  the  mean  time,  with  the  help  of  Ernest,  fulfil  my 
promise  of  finishing  the  loom  for  my  wife. 

My  first  efforts  had  produced  but  a  rough  machine,  which,  how- 
ever, had  answered  pretty  well  for  a  time,  but  was  now  almost 
useless. 

In  my  young  days  I  had  visited  the  workshops  of  weavers,  and 
knew  something  of  other  trades,  which  knowledge  helped  me 
greatly  in  our  present  position.  To  complete  this  task,  however, 
I  still  required  the  particular  paste  or  weaver's  glue  with  which 
they  cover  the  thread  to  prevent  it  from  slipping. 

In  default  of  this  necessary  paste,  I  determined  to  try  if  fish 
glue  would  answer  the  same  purpose.  I  had  already  contrived 
to  make  this  gum  clear  and  firm  enough  to  be  used  as  window- 
panes,  which  had  the  appearance  of  thin  horn,  and  as  these  win- 
dows were  placed  very  deep  in  the  rocky  wall  to  keep  out  the 
rain,  they  served  the  purpose  admirably. 

Among  other  examples  of  my  handiwork,  of  which  I  was  rather 
proud,  were  two  saddles  and  bridles,  which  I  had  made  at  the  oft- 
repeated  request  of  my  boys,  and  the  yoke.  The  saddletrees 
and  the  yoke  I  constructed  of  light  wood,  and  covered  them  with 
the  skin  of  the  kangaroo  and  the  fur  of  the  sealskin.  To  stuff 
them  I  used  the  long  moss  of  the  old  trees  which  we  discovered 
while  the  pigeons  were  building  their  nests. 

The  leather  for  the  bridles  I  made  soft  and  flexible  by  soaking 
it  in  oil,  and  indeed  my  saddlery  and  harness-making  were  a 
complete  success.  The  boys  used  their  saddles  and  bridles  with 
great  satisfaction,  but  the  animals  were  at  first  impatient  under 
the  yoke. 

I  managed  them  at  last  with  firmness  and  kindness,  although 
they  were  naturally  wilder  than  poor  old  Grizzle  the  donkey. 

This  work  occupied  some  days,  and  for  a  second  time  we  were 
visited  by  a  shoal  of  herrings,  of  which  we  gathered  a  large  num- 

[  399  ] 


Ta£  SWISS  FAMILY 

ber  to  add  to  our  store  of  provisions.  These  were  followed  by  the 
sea-dogs.  The  fur  and  skins  of  these  creatures  were  much  more 
valuable  to  us  now  than  on  their  former  visit,  as  I  had  been  using 
a  quantity  of  leather  lately  for  various  purposes.  We  caught  about 
twenty  of  these  creatures  of  various  sizes,  and  although  their  flesh 
was  too  oily  to  be  eaten  as  food,  we  baited  traps  with  it  for  the 
crabs  at  the  entrance  of  the  Jackal  River,  and  found  the  skin,  the 
fur,  the  bladder,  and  the  oil  of  the  greatest  use. 

While  thus  occupied,  the  boys  had  several  times  petitioned  me 
to  take  them  on  a  hunting  or  rather  shooting  expedition  to  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  island. 

I  was  quite  ready  to  comply,  but  before  doing  so  I  felt  it  neces- 
sary to  make  two  large  baskets  or  panniers,  for  the  mother  to 
carry  grain,  fruits,  or  roots  from  the  field  to  our  home  during  our 
absence.  For  this  purpose  we  gathered  a  quantity  of  willow 
rushes,  which  grew  in  abundance  on  the  borders  of  the  Jackal 
River.  For  a  first  attempt  at  basket-making,  I  would  not  use 
the  beautiful  reeds  which  Jack  had  collected  in  the  Flamingo 
Marsh. 

When  finished,  our  baskets  were  not  very  shapely,  but  the  trial 
taught  us  experience,  and  I  decided  to  keep  these  panniers,  which 
were  coarse  and  strong,  for  carrying  dust  or  clay,  and  make  two 
larger  and  better  ones  of  the  Spanish  canes. 

In  this  we  were  quite  successful,  and  the  boys,  in  their  delight 
at  seeing  them  completed,  determined  to  give  little  Frank  a  ride. 
A  bamboo  cane  was  passed  through  the  two  handles  on  each  side 
of  the  basket,  Frank  was  lifted  in,  while  Ernest  and  Jack  took  an 
end  of  each  pole  on  their  shoulders,  as  if  they  were  palanquin- 
bearers,  and  started  off^  at  a  run,  to  the  great  delight  of  Frank. 

"Papa,"  cried  Fritz,  "could  we  not  make  a  palanquin  of  this 
kind  for  dear  mamma  ?  It  would  be  much  more  pleasant  for  her 
than  riding  in  our  little  cart,  when  she  goes  with  us  on  our  long 
excursions." 

The  boys  were  overjoyed  .it  the  idea,  and  their  mother  said: 

[400] 


ROBINSON 


m 


IN   VAIN    HE    CRIED 
TO   THEM   TO  STOP 


ROBINSON 

"It  would  certainly  be  very  agreeable  to  ride  like  a  princess  in 
a  litter,  and  have  nothing  to  do  but  look  over  the  rim  of  the 
basket  at  the  world  around  me." 

"The  idea  is  not  unreasonable,"  I  said,  "and  a  suitable  basket 
could  easily  be  made;  but  who  is  to  carry  it  ?  We  have  no  slaves 
here,  as  they  have  in  India,  to  bear  the  poles  on  their  shoulders, 
and  you  are  not  strong  enough,  my  boys;  neither  should  I  like  to 
trust  your  mother  with  such  young  bearers." 

"  But,  papa,"  exclaimed  Jack,  "we  have  two  very  strong  bearers 
— Storm  and  Grumbler;  I  am  sure  they  would  carry  mamma 
carefully.     May  we  try  them  now  with  Frank  ?" 

I  gave  the  required  permission  readily,  for  I  was  curious  to 
discover  how^  the  little  men  would  manage.  In  a  few  moments 
Storm  and  Grumbler  were  saddled  and  bridled,  and  placed,  one 
in  front  and  the  other  behind  the  basket  between  the  two  poles, 
the  ends  of  v/hich  were  firmly  fastened  on  each  side  of  their  sad- 
dles. I  would  not,  however,  allow  Frank  to  remain  in  the  basket 
while  his  brothers  were  teaching  the  animals  this  new  style  of 
travelling;  besides,  I  knew  that  Frank  had  more  power  over 
Grumbler  than  either  of  his  brothers.  The  boy,  therefore,  mounted 
the  young  ox,  who  was  to  take  the  lead,  and  Jack  rode  the  buffalo 
behind.  After  a  few  runs  the  animals  seemed  to  understand 
what  was  required  of  them,  the  greatest  difficulty  arising  from 
the  unequal  steps,  which  gave  a  jolting  sensation  to  the  palanquin 
basket. 

This  they  assured  me  would  soon  be  overcome,  when  the  ani- 
mals had  learned  to  trot  and  gallop  in  step.  While  drawing  the 
heavy  cart  or  sledge,  they  could  only  walk ;  the  movement  together 
was  therefore  new  to  them.  Ernest  now  volunteered  to  seat 
himself  in  the  basket,  the  obedient  animals  kneeling  to  enable 
him  to  step  in;   then -they  rose  and  started  off  at  a  trot. 

The  position  of  the  rider  appeared  delightful,  a  slight  swinging  of 
the  basket  was  not  unpleasant;  indeed,  he  lay  back  on  the  cushion 
as  comfortably  as  if  it  had  been  a  couch  with  an  elastic  seat. 

[403] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

But  this  Steady  pace  did  not  for  long  suit  the  riders  of  the 
animals;  all  at  once  a  touch  of  the  whip  sent  them  off  at  full 
gallop,  and  the  ease  and  comfort  of  Ernest  came  to  an  end. 

The  basket  swung  from  side  to  side  so  violently  that  he  could 
not  keep  his  seat,  but  was  thrown  to  the  right  and  left,  while  the 
riders  sat  firm  in  their  saddles.  In  vain  he  screamed  to  them  to 
stop — the  boys  had  not  strength  to  draw  rein  for  laughing,  and 
indeed  it  was  very  amusing  to  see  Ernest  sometimes  sitting  up, 
sometimes  on  his  back  with  his  legs  in  the  air,  being  jolted  about 
in  a  most  ridiculous  manner. 

At  last  the  animals  came  to  a  standstill  of  their  own  accord, 
and  kneeled  to  allow  Ernest  to  alight,  which  he  did  quickly,  and 
looking  very  angry;  but  I  explained  to  him  that  his  brothers  were 
only  in  fun,  and  the  good-natured  boy  soon  forgot  his  knocking 
about,  and  went  to  his  mother  for  a  handful  of  salt  and  barley 
to  reward  the  tired  animals  after  their  exertions. 

All  idea  of  a  palanquin  for  the  mother  was,  however,  set  aside 
by  circumstances  which  shortly  occurred,  and  alarmed  us  greatly. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 

THE    DREADFUL    VISITOR — POOR   GRIZZLE's    FATE 

WAS  sitting  next  day  with  my  wife  and  Fritz  in  the 
shadow  of  some  trees  on  high  ground  overlooking 
the  Jackal  River,  and  talking  of  the  improvements  I 
hoped  to  make  in  the  palanquin  basket. 

Suddenly  Fritz  rose,  and,  advancing  a  few  steps, 
fixed  his  keen  eyes  on  the  road  through  which  ran  the  channels 
which  conducted  the  water  from  the  river  to  Zeltheim  and  Fal- 
con's Nest.     Presently  he  cried  out: 

"Papa,  what  in  the  world  is  this  creature  I  can  see  in  the  dis- 
tance ^  It  looks  like  a  thick  cable-rope,  and  seems  to  be  coming 
nearer  by  rolling  and  twisting  itself  on  the  ground,  and  not  by 
walking." 

I  rose  at  once,  and  saw,  to  my  horror,  an  enormous  serpent 
rolling  toward  us  on  the  sand,  and  sometimes  raising  itself,  like 
the  mast  of  a  ship,  and  looking  round  as  if  for  prey. 

My  wife,  who  noticed  my  alarm,  although  I  did  not  speak, 
rushed  into  our  rock  dwelling,  while  I  called  out  to  the  younger 
boys  not  only  to  follow  her  and  shut  themselves  in,  but  also  to 
have  their  guns  in  readiness  to  fire  from  the  open  window  if 
necessary. 

"What  do  you  think  it  is,  papa.?"  asked  Fritz,  in  a  tone  of 
alarm  as  we  stood  together. 

"I  believe  it  is  a  serpent  of  a  frightful  size,"  I  replied;  "and 
there  is  no  doubt  we  shall  have  a  hard  battle  to  conquer  it." 

"Then  I  will  not  be  the  last  in  the  field,"  said  the  brave  boy. 
"I  must  fetch  my  double-barrelled  gun  and  a  couple  of  hatchets." 

[405] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Gently,  gently,  my  son,"  I  said;  "you  must  be  prudent. 
These  creatures  have  a  great  tenacity  of  life  and  enormous 
strength.  You  had  better  join  your  brothers  in  the  house,  and 
hold  my  largest  gun  in  readiness,  in  case  it  is  required.  I  will 
soon  return  for  you  when  I  decide  upon  what  is  best  to  be  done." 

Fritz  left  me  very  reluctantly,  while  I  went  cautiously  foiw'ard 
to  discover,  if  possible,  to  which  of  the  serpent  race  the  horrid 
creature  belonged.  In  a  few  moments  I  recognized  the  most 
dreadful  of  serpents — a  boa-constrictor — which  was  wriggling 
with  rapid  movements  toward  the  bridge  over  the  river. 

My  first  thought  was  whether  it  would  be  possible  to  remove 
some  of  the  flooring  from  the  bridge  before  he  reached  it;  but  he 
came  along  so  rapidly  that  I  gave  up  the  attempt. 

It  was  indeed  dreadful  to  see  him  pause  now  and  then,  and 
raise  his  head  and  the  upper  part  of  his  body  to  the  height  of  at 
least  twenty  feet,  and  look  about  as  if  searching  for  prey. 

Presently  I  saw  him  crossing  the  bridge  at  a  rapid  rate,  and, 
rushing  back  to  our  cavern  home,  I  entered  quickly,  and  closed 
the  door  carefully  and  without  noise. 

On  entering  the  house,  I  found  my  young  folks  in  war-like  atti- 
tude, and  fully  armed;  not  exactly,  however,  like  a  garrison  be- 
hind a  fortification,  for  until  I  appeared  their  courage  had  been 
very  low. 

Fritz  ofi^ered  me  his  gun.  I  took  it  in  silence,  and  we  then 
placed  ourselves  at  an  open  window,  from  which  we  could  see  for 
a  great  distance  without  being  seen. 

The  monster  had  already  left  the  bridge  behind  him,  when  he 
suddenly  paused  and  appeared  startled,  as  if  he  for  the  first  time 
had  discovered  the  track  of  human  beings. 

On  he  came,  sometimes  rolling  in  rings  on  the  earth,  and  at 
others  raising  himself  erect,  as  if  instinct  told  him  that  he  was 
near  his  enemies.  At  all  events,  the  huge  worm  placed  his  enor- 
mous body  just  outside  our  cavern  home,  and  appeared  about  to 
wait  for  his  prey  to  show  themselves. 

[406] 


ROBINSON 

Suddenly  Ernest,  most  probably  from  an  impulse  of  fear,  fired 
his  gun.  Jack  and  Frank  followed  his  example,  and  his  mother 
also,  to  my  astonishment.  The  danger  had  given  her  courage  to 
fight  at  the  side  of  her  dear  children.  But  these  four  shots,  al- 
though not  one  touched  the  creature,  at  least  frightened  him  a 
little,  for  he  rolled  away  with  great  rapidity.  At  all  hazards,  Fritz 
and  I  fired  after  him,  but  neither  shot  appeared  to  have  taken 
effect,  for  the  monster  very  soon  disappeared  from  our  eyes. 

A  sigh  of  relief  escaped  us  all.  A  heavy  weight  had  been 
indeed  removed  for  a  time  from  our  hearts,  and  with  one  voice  a 
hope  was  expressed  that  this  dreadful  creature  might  have  been 
wounded  in  some  way  by  our  shots. 

For  myself,  I  regretted  this  failure  bitterly.  The  danger  was, 
however,  not  yet  over,  and  I  strictly  forbade  either  of  the  boys 
to  leave  the  grotto  for  the  next  few  days  without  my  express 
permission. 

For  three  long,  terrible  days  fear  of  our  dreadful  visitor  kept  us 
in  our  rock  castle.  Even  the  mother  did  not  venture  beyond  a 
few  steps  to  obtain  water  or  other  needful  provisions,  and  then 
only  when  Fritz  and  I  were  unable  to  procure  what  she  wanted. 

Our  enemy,  however,  gave  not  the  least  sign  of  his  presence, 
and  we  began  to  hope  he  had  departed  from  the  marsh  by  a  way 
through  the  rocks  unknown  to  us.  But  the  half-wild  ducks  and 
geese  were  evidently  aware  of  the  presence  of  the  serpent,  for 
they  seemed  In  a  constant  state  of  agitation. 

Every  evening,  when  they  returned  from  their  sail  on  the  water, 
they  would  hover  above  their  usual  dwelling-place  among  the 
reeds,  beating  their  wings  and  uttering  cries  of  fear,  till  at  last 
they  would  turn  and  fly  across  the  creek  to  Whale  Island,  and 
there  take  up  their  night  quarters. 

My  anxiety  increased  daily.  The  creature  was  no  doubt  hid- 
den among  the  rushes,  and  at  any  moment  might  spring  out  and 
attack  us  or  the  animals  if  we  ventured  to  leave  the  cave.  And  to 
be  shut  up  day  after  day  in  our  rock  home,  and  see  our  provisions 

[407] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

continually  decreasing,  while  we  dared  not  approach  the  spots  on 
which  more  could  be  obtained,  was  indeed  a  painful  position. 

From  this  situation  we  were  at  last  relieved  by  a  sad  and  dis- 
tressing loss.  Our  useful  old  Grizzle,  the  ass,  saved  the  garrison 
now  as  completely  as  the  geese  saved  the  Capitol  at  Rome  in 
olden  times,  and  deserved  equal  honors. 

We  had  but  a  small  quantity  of  hay  left  to  last  till  the  hay- 
making-time arrived,  and  the  store  at  the  cavern  was  all  gone  by 
the  third  day.  To  go  to  Zeltheim  for  more  seemed  impossible, 
yet  I  determined  to  make  the  attempt  next  morning,  and  if  it 
failed,  turn  out  the  animals  to  find  food  for  themselves. 

On  the  fourth  morning,  therefore,  Fritz  and  I  decided  to  start 
for  Falcon's  Nest,  leaving  the  mother  and  the  younger  boys  at 
home,  with  orders  to  shoot  from  the  window  if  necessary. 

I  determined  to  avoid  the  Jackal  River,  and  proceed  by  a  new 
road  very  cautiously;  and  I  told  Fritz,  who  was  to  ride  the  onager, 
that  if  there  should  be  the  least  sign  of  the  serpent,  he  was  to 
gallop  off  at  once  to  Falcon's  Nest  at  full  speed. 

I  stood  giving  my  last  injunctions  to  the  boys,  and  my  wife  was 
entreating  Fritz  and  myself  to  be  cautious,  when  unfortunately 
she  opened  the  door  a  little  too  wide,  in  her  earnestness,  and  old 
Grizzle,  who  had  been  shut  up  and  well  fed  for  three  days,  rushed 
from  his  stall,  and  was  galloping  away  toward  the  Flamingo  Marsh 
before  I  could  stop  him.  We  all  called  him  back  earnestly  by 
name,  but  to  no  purpose,  and  Fritz,  in  his  anxiety,  would  have 
followed  him,  had  I  not  firmly  held  him  back. 

In  a  moment  we  saw  the  serpent  rear  his  head  from  the  rushes, 
spring  with  one  bound  upon  our  poor  ass,  and  enclose  him  quickly 
in  the  folds  of  his  snaky  body. 

The  boys  and  their  mother  rushed  screaming  to  the  edge  of  the 
balcony,  where  I,  unseen,  was  watching  the  monster.  With  shud- 
dering pity  we  saw  the  creature  wrap  himself  round  the  poor  ani- 
mal, raise  his  head  and  thrust  out  his  forked  tongue,  as  if  greedy 
for  his  prey. 

[408] 


ROBINSON 


THE    DEATH 
OF     GRIZZLE 


ROBINSON 

"Shoot  him,  papa,  shoot  him!"  screamed  the  boys.  "Oh,  do 
save  our  poor  Grizzle!" 

"It  would  be  useless  now,  boys,"  I  replied;  "nothing  can  save 
the  ass,  and  firing  would  irritate  the  creature,  and  perhaps  draw 
him  on  to  attack  us.  It  will  soon  be  over  now,  and  then,  while 
the  monster  sleeps  after  this  full  meal,  I  shall  do  my  best  to  destroy 
him," 

As  I  spoke  we  turned  away  from  the  horrible  sight,  and  Fritz 
exclaimed : 

"Papa,  will  the  serpent  swallow  his  prey  whole  ^  Oh,  it  is  too 
horrible  to  look  at!" 

"Serpents  have  no  teeth,"  I  replied,  "but  their  fangs  enable 
them  to  seize  their  prey,  which  they  crush  to  death  with  the  folds 
of  their  body.  Even  the  bones  are  broken  by  this  pressure,  and 
they  then  lick  it  all  over  with  the  tongue,  which  contains  a  peculiar 
kind  of  moisture,  to  soften  every  part  and  make  it  easy  to  swallow. 
But  I  do  not  consider  this  performance  more  horrible  than  the  way 
in  which  the  lions  and  tigers  bite  and  tear  their  prey  to  pieces." 

"Do  not  talk  any  longer  of  these  horrors,"  said  my  wife;  "it  is 
too  dreadful." 

And  she  drew  the  younger  boys  into  the  cavern,  while  I  and 
Fritz  approached  the  edge  of  the  rock,  to  wait  till  the  body  of  our 
poor  Grizzle  was  enclosed  in  its  living  grave,  that  we  might  knock 
the  monster  on  the  head  before  he  had  time  or  inclination  to 
attack  another  of  our  animals.  This  dreadful  scene  lasted  from 
seven  o'clock  in  the  morning  till  nearly  midday. 

I  allowed  a  few  hours  to  pass  before  I  attempted  to  interfere 
with  our  terrible  enemy,  and  then,  accompanied  by  Fritz,  I  di- 
rected my  steps  toward  the  border  of  the  marsh.  Jack,  still  half 
afraid,  followed  cautiously  behind,  while  Ernest  kept  us  in  sight, 
though  at  a  considerable  distance. 

As  I  came  near  to  the  serpent,  I  confess  that  his  size  and  ap- 
pearance made  me  tremble,  for  I  knew  at  once,  by  the  marks  on 
his  skin,  that  I  looked  upon  a  veritable  boa-constrictor. 
27  [411] 


Te£  SWISS  FAMILY 

At  a  distance  of  about  eighteen  or  twenty  feet  I  fired,  and  Fritz 
instantly  followed  my  example.  Our  two  shots  passed  through 
the  head  of  the  animal,  and  seemed  to  have  taken  effect,  for  the 
upper  half  of  the  body  and  the  jaws  remained  immovable,  but 
the  lower  part  of  the  tail  moved  convulsively,  and  struck  out 
blindly  in  all  directions.  I  approached  nearer  to  finish  the  mat- 
ter with  two  pistol-shots,  and  in  a  few  moments  the  whole  body 
lay  at  rest,  without  signs  of  life. 

Jack  now  drew  near,  and  being  anxious  to  share  in  the  honor 
of  killing  the  animal,  fired  into  its  body.  In  a  moment,  as  by  a 
galvanic  influence,  the  monster  moved,  and  a  convulsive  stroke  of 
the  tail  knocked  the  young  sportsman  over,  and  sent  him  rolling 
on  the  ground. 

This,  however,  was  the  last  performance  of  the  terrible  monster, 
for  although  the  boy  sprang  up  and  stood  with  an  air  of  defiance 
before  it,  there  was  no  movement.  Death,  to  which  the  boa  had 
given  so  many,  had  at  last  made  the  serpent  his  prey. 

We  returned  to  our  home  in  the  rock  with  joyful  shouts  of 
victory,  so  clearly  heard  in  the  distance,  that  Ernest  joined  us  at 
once  on  the  battle-field,  and  the  mother  and  Frank  came  out  to 
meet  us,  scarcely  believing  that  our  terrible  visitor  was  really 
dead. 

"I  have  released  the  poor  animals,"  she  said,  "and  I  think  I 
heard  cries  of  victory." 

"Yes,  mamma,"  I  said,  "the  mighty  enemy  lies  at  our  feet  now, 
and  we  must  be  thankful  to  God,  not  only  for  His  help  in  the 
battle,  but  also  for  enabling  us  to  make  a  safe  home  in  the  rocks." 

"I  am  glad  the  horrible  monster  is  dead,"  said  Jack. 

"Can  we  eat  serpents.?"  asked  little  Frank. 

"No,"  replied  his  mother,  "the  flesh  of  a  snake  Is  poisonous." 

"Not  always,"  I  remarked;  "and  I  believe  in  some  countries 
the  flesh  is  eaten.  Even  in  Europe  the  flesh  of  the  boa  and  the 
rattlesnake  has  been  made  into  what  is  called  viper  broth,  which, 
it  is  said,  has  a  flavor  as  agreeable  as  chicken  broth.     This  prep- 

[412] 


ROBINSON 

aration  has  been  used  by  Europeans  in  cases  where  the  bites  of 
serpents  have  caused  great  exhaustion,  and  has  been  found  of  the 
greatest  benefit  in  preventing  death.  Of  course,  the  head  of  the 
serpent,  which  contains  the  poison,  had  been  removed.  But  I 
have  heard  that  animals  exist  who  can  eat  serpents  without  being 
injured  by  the  poison." 

"Oh,  papa,  what  animals  can  they  be  ?"  exclaimed  Jack. 

"Pigs,  my  boy;  and  I  once  read  a  story  on  this  subject  which 
greatly  amused  me." 

"Oh,  do  tell  it  us,  papa!"  they  all  exclaimed.  "Is  it  about 
pigs?" 

"Yes,"  I  replied;  and  as  they  eagerly  followed  closely  to  listen, 
I  commenced  my  story. 

"On  one  of  the  large  lakes  of  America  there  was  once  a  pretty 
little  island,  but  no  human  being  could  dwell  upon  it  on  account 
of  the  immense  number  of  rattlesnakes  with  which  it  was  infested. 
It  happened  at  one  time  that  a  vessel,  with  a  large  cargo  of  living 
pigs,  was  wrecked  near  the  island.  The  crew,  however,  contrived 
to  reach  the  shore,  and  land  their  living  cargo  and  themselves  in 
safety.  But  it  was  impossible  for  them  to  remain  on  such  a  dan- 
gerous island;  as  quickly  as  possible,  therefore,  after  the  storm 
ceased,  they  repaired  their  little  vessel,  and  leaving  the  pigs  on 
shore  to  their  fate,  made  their  escape  with  all  speed. 

"The  forsaken  animals  dispersed  themselves  on  the  island,  and 
in  time  their  Ovvner  came  with  another  ship  to  look  after  them 
himself.  What  was  his  astonishment  to  find  the  pigs  in  good  con- 
dition, fat  and  well  fed.  They  had  eaten  up  all  the  rattlesnakes, 
and  completely  cleared  the  island  of  these  terrible  creatures." 

"Why,  papa,"  said  Ernest,  "then  a  few  swarms  of  the  secretary 
birds  would  soon  exterminate  these  serpents  if  they  were  taken  to 
countries  where  these  creatures  live  ?" 

"You  are  under  a  little  mistake,  Ernest,"  I  said;  "partly  right 
and  partly  wrong,  about  the  secretary  bird." 

"Papa,"  said  Frank,  ''what  sort  of  a  creature  is  a  secretary 

[413I 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

bird  ?     I  thought  a  secretary  was  a  gentleman  who  writes;   birds 
cannot  write." 

"Not  with  a  pen,  Frank,"  I  replied,  laughing;  "but  they  make 
strange  scrawls  with  their  feet  in  the  sand,  which,  of  course,  we 
cannot  read.  But,  joking  apart,  these  birds  have  been  so  named 
because  they  have  two  long  feathers  at  the  sides  of  their  heads, 
which  gives  them  the  appearance  of  a  gentleman  secretary  with 
pens  stuck  behind  his  ears." 

"How  was  I  mistaken  about  these  birds,  papa  ?"  asked  Ernest. 
"They  do  eat  snakes,  I  know." 

"Yes,  my  boy,"  I  replied;  "and  on  that  account  the  bird  is 
sometimes  known  as  the  serpent-hawk.  But  they  are  natives  of 
Africa,  especially  at  the  Cape,  yet  they  have  been  found  in  the 
Philippine  Islands.  It  would  also  be  impossible  to  send  swarms 
into  other  countries,  even  if  they  could  bear  the  climate,  for  these 
birds  do  not  live  in  flocks,  one  or  two  pairs  only  being  found 
together  in  one  place." 

"How  can  people  know  the  difference  between  the  poisonous 
and  the  harmless  serpents  ?"  asked  Fritz. 

"Chiefly  by  the  fangs,"  I  replied,  "which  they  protrude  when 
alarmed  or  in  danger.  At  such  times  the  creature  rears  its  body 
to  a  great  height  in  proportion  to  its  size,  opens  the  glowing  red 
upper  jaw  so  frightfully  that  the  lower  remains  fixed,  and  dis- 
plays two  threatening  fangs,  which  at  other  times  lie  concealed 
behind  the  gums  in  a  kind  of  bag.  These  fangs  are  hollow,  but 
so  hard  and  sharp  that  they  can  easily  penetrate  the  thick  leather 
of  a  boot.  Under  these  fangs  lies  a  little  bladder  containing  the 
poison,  which,  when  the  creature  uses,  the  fang  is  pressed,  and  a 
little  drop  enters  the  wound  and  quickly  spreads  through  the 
veins  and  over  the  whole  blood-vessels.  Sometimes,  if  taken  in 
time,  a  cure  may  be  effected,  but  in  most  cases  the  sting  of  a 
serpent  is  followed  by  speedy  death." 

"What  poisonous  serpents  are  natives  of  hot  climates,  like  this 
where  we  dwell  now  ?"  asked  Ernest. 

[414] 


ROBINSON 

"They  are  so  numerous  in  hot  countries,  such  as  Africa  and 
India,"  I  repHed,  "that  I  could  not  possibly  name  them  all;  but 
the  most  noted  are  the  rattlesnake  and  the  spectacled  serpent,  so 
called  because  the  marks  on  the  skin  of  the  face  resemble  a  pair 
of  spectacles.  The  skin  of  the  neck,  throat,  and  breast  is  so 
flexible  that  the  creature,  when  angry,  rears  his  head  and  inflates 
the  skin  till  it  stands  out  like  a  collar  round  its  throat.  And  yet 
these  snakes  are  very  lively  creatures,  and  are  exceedingly  fond 
of  dancing." 

"Dancing,  papa!"  cried  Jack,  incredulously.  "How  can  they 
dance  without  feet  ?     You  are  joking  us,  papa." 

"Not  in  the  least,  my  son,"  I  said;  "but  by  dancing  in  this 
case  is  understood  light  and  playful  movements  in  time  to  music, 
which  Indian  jugglers  have  cleverly  taught  the  spectacled  snake 
to  perform.  The  creature  raises  itself  on  the  small  rings  of  its 
tail  to  the  height  of  two-thirds  of  its  own  length,  spreads  out  its 
skin  collar  round  the  spectacled  head  as  much  as  possible,  and 
then  moves  its  head  and  the  upper  part  of  the  body  gracefully  in 
time  with  the  mournful  music.  Its  eyes  are  fixed  on  the  hand  of 
the  snake-charmer  as  it  is  waved  backward  and  forward  in  time 
with  the  music.  These  jugglers  make  a  secret  of  their  art,  yet 
they  acknowledge  that,  to  a  certain  extent,  the  snakes  are  under 
the  influence  of  a  stupefying  drug.  It  is  not  positively  known 
whether  the  poisonous  fangs  have  been  removed  from  these  creat- 
ures, yet  some  travellers  affirm  that  they  have  seen  them  still  in 
the  jaws  of  several  dancing  snakes  in  India." 

"Is  it  believed  that  these  snake-charmers  really  conquer  them 
by  sorcery,  or  are  they  cheating  us,  papa  .?"  asked  Fritz. 

"I  do  not  suppose  any  civilized  person  would  believe  in  con- 
juring, Fritz;  yet  these  men  are  children  of  nature,  and  know 
that  serpents  have  the  power  of  fascinating  their  victims  and  ren- 
dering them  unable  to  escape.  They  perhaps,  therefore,  imitate, 
as  far  as  they  can,  these  wonderful  actions  of  nature.  I  have  even 
heard  that  in  South  America  the  natives  have  a  little  instrument 

[415] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

which  has  the  sound,  when  shaken,  of  a  rattlesnake,  and  that  by 
this  sound  they  allure  small  animals,  such  as  squirrels  and  rabbits, 
to  their  snares.  But  we  have  talked  long  enough,  my  boys,  and 
we  must  not  leave  our  dead  enemy  till  the  morning,  for  the  birds 
will  be  only  too  glad  to  eat  the  flesh,  and  spoil  the  skin,  which  I 
should  like  to  stuff." 

"That  will  be  beautiful,  papa!"  said  Ernest,  while  Fritz  and 
Jack  ran  quickly  to  get  the  buflTalo  and  ox,  Ernest  and  Frank 
remaining  with  me,  to  keep  off  the  birds  of  prey  from  the 
serpent. 

Our  poor  Grizzle  had  only  been  half  swallowed  by  the  monster, 
and  I  thought  it  might  be  possible  to  remove  the  dead  body  from 
the  serpent  by  yoking  Storm  and  Grumbler  to  a  rope  fastened 
round  its  legs.  This  was  soon  arranged,  and  at  a  touch  of  the 
whip  the  animals  started  forward  suddenly,  and  drew  forth  from 
the  serpent's  body  the  scarcely  recognizable  remains  of  our  poor 
servant. 

His  deep  grave  was  dug  quickly,  and  after  laying  his  mangled 
body  in  it,  we  threw  in  the  earth,  and  covered  the  top  with  pieces 
of  broken  rock. 

"Some  of  you  should  compose  an  epitaph  on  poor  Grizzle,"  I 
said,  after  we  had  buried  him. 

**Oh,  papa,  Ernest  must  do  that!"  exclaimed  his  brothers. 

"Yes,"  said  Fritz,  "he  wrote  one  called  a  'New  Year's  Wish,' 
when  we  were  in  our  own  country,  and  it  had  eight  lines." 

But  Ernest  shook  his  head,  and  looked  uncomfortable,  so  I 
left  him  to  himself,  and  presently  saw  him  seated  alone,  with  his 
head  on  his  hand  and  his  elbow  on  his  knee  for  ten  minutes,  with- 
out moving,  and  looking  as  serious  as  a  great  philosopher  over  a 
mathematical  discovery. 

In  a  very  short  time  he  approached  me  with  a  look  of  great 
content,  and  said: 

"Papa,  I  have  written  the  epitaph;  but  you  won't  laugh  if  I 
let  you  read  it,  will  you  r' 

[416] 


ROBINSON 

"No,  certainly  not,  my  boy,"  I  said,  as  I  took  the  paper  from 
him  and  read  as  follows: 

"Here  lies  an  honest,   industrious  ass, 

Who  once  disobeyed  his  master's  call, 
Which  caused  him  a  dreadful  death,  alas! 

Yet  made  him  a  hero;  for  by  his  fall 
He  saved  a  family  with  children  four, 
And  father  and  mother,  on  this  lonely  shore." 

"So,**  I  exclaimed,  "here  are  six  stanzas,  and  the  ideas  and  the 
rhyme  are  very  good,  but  the  two  last  lines  have  not  the  right 
number  of  feet.  Try  again,  my  boy,"  I  said;  "I  am  sure  you 
can  improve  it." 

He  took  my  advice,  and  presently  returned  with  the  lines  cor- 
rected thus: 

"  He  saved  from  death,  on  this  lonely  shore, 
Father  and  mother,  and  children  four." 

The  lines  were  not  bad  for  a  boy  of  thirteen,  and  he  looked 
much  gratified  when  I  took  out  of  my  pocket  a  large  red  pencil, 
which  I  always  used  for  marking  wood,  and  wrote  the  verses  on 
the  rock.  My  next  performance,  taking  off  the  skin  of  the  boa 
to  be  stuffed,  required  also  the  aid  of  our  two  useful  animals, 
Storm  and  Grumbler;  but  my  wife,  who  came  to  read  poor 
Grizzle's  epitaph,  told  us  dinner  was  ready,  and  after  the  events 
of  the  morning  we  were  obliged  to  be  content  with  cold  provisions. 

After  dinner  the  boys  were  very  anxious  to  know  how  the  ser- 
pent could  be  skinned. 

"It  seems  a  very  difficult  thing  to  manage,"  said  Fritz. 

"There  is  but  one  way  in  which  it  is  likely  to  be  successful,"  I 
said,  "and  I  intend  to  adopt  it.'* 

I  commenced  by  cutting  the  skin  entirely  round  the  throat, 
and  after  separating  it  from  the  flesh,  carefully  turned  it  back. 
The  ox  and  the  buffalo  were  then  attached  by  their  harness  to  the 
trunk  of  the  serpent,  just  above  the  neck.     I  then  showed  Fritz 

[417] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

and  Jack  how  to  draw  back  the  skin  carefully  while  I  led  the 
animals  gently  forward,  and  the  body  of  the  snake  gradually  freed 
itself  from  the  skin  as  the  boys  loosened  it. 

It  was  rather  a  slow  process,  but  we  succeeded  so  well  that  the 
beautiful  skin  of  the  boa-constrictor  was  removed  almost  with- 
out injury.  It  was  then  steeped  in  salt  water,  and,  after  being 
cleaned  with  sand  and  ashes,  carefully  stuffed  with  horsehair  and 
wool,  and  placed  in  the  sun  to  dry. 

A  great  deal  of  fun  occurred  while  stuffing  the  serpent,  which 
we  were  not  able  to  attempt  till  the  day  after  taking  off  the  skin. 
It  was  then  hung  to  the  branch  of  a  tree,  and  as  there  was  a  diffi- 
culty in  reaching  the  lower  part  near  the  tail,  Jack  volunteered 

to  get   inside   in   his 

w 


bathing-dress,  and  to 
fill  the  skin  with  the 
moss  and  wool  sup- 
plied to  him  by  his 
brothers,  and  stamp 
it  down  with  his  feet. 
When  he  arrived  near 
the  neck,  he  put  out 
his  head  in  a  frolic- 
some manner,  and  ex- 
claimed: 

"  I'm  not  the  worse 
for  being  swallowed 
by  a  boa,  am  I, 
papa  : 

Before  evening  our 
work  was  finished.  We  made  two  globes  of  gypsum  paste,  var- 
nished with  fish  glue,  for  the  eyes.  We  substituted  for  the  tongue 
a  piece  of  iron  wire,  painted  red  with  cochineal.  And  now  arose 
the  question.  Where  should  we  place  such  an  enormous  creature  to 
dry  .?     And  in  what  position  in  our  museum  to  suit  his  character? 

f_iT8] 


ROBINSON 

After  a  little  thought,  I  decided  first  to  erect  a  strong  pole  in 
the  ground  firmly,  on  a  slight  elevation,  and  place  the  stuffed  ser- 
pent in  coils  round  it.  The  boys  entered  into  this  arrangement 
warmly.  The  chest  was  fixed  to  the  pole  in  such  a  manner  that 
the  head,  with  the  mouth  wide  open,  stretched  foi-ward  with  an 
aspect  so  fierce  that  the  monster  appeared  about  to  spring  at  us, 
while  the  glassy  eyes  glared  frightfully. 

In  fact,  the  figure  of  the  creature  was  so  natural  and  lifelike 
that  the  dogs  growled  at  it,  and  Storm  and  Grumbler  fled  from  it 
in  terror.  I  determined,  therefore,  when  it  was  thoroughly  dry, 
to  make  room  for  the  frightful  creature  in  our  cave.  The  boys 
had  already  fastened  a  label  over  the  mouth,  on  which  was  written 
these  words: 

"No  Donkeys  Admitted  Here." 

The  words  had,  as  I  knew,  a  double  meaning,  as  the  figure  was 
to  stand  at  the  entrance  to  our  library.  The  great  danger  to  which 
we  had  been  exposed  by  the  appearance  of  the  serpent  was  now 
happily  over,  yet  I  could  not  rest  satisfied  until  I  had  searched  the 
island  to  discover  whether  any  other  of  these  creatures  were  to 
be  found  upon  it. 

I  decided,  therefore,  upon  two  excursions,  one  to  the  marsh  and 
the  duck-pond,  the  other  to  Falcon's  Nest,  and  to  explore  the 
country  beyond  those  spots  at  which  the  creature  was  seen. 
When  about  to  start  on  the  first  of  these  journeys.  Jack  and 
Ernest  expressed  a  strong  wish  to  remain  at  the  grotto,  and  Jack 
declared  that  it  made  him  shudder  when  he  remembered  how  the 
creature  knocked  him  down  with  its  tail. 

"Oh,  papa!"  added  the  boy,  "I  really  thought  all  my  ribs  were 
broken." 

I  overcame  their  fears,  however,  by  a  little  persuasion,  for  I 
wished  my  boys  to  be  brave  and  courageous  in  times  of  danger; 
at  the  same  time,  I  promised  to  shield  them  from  harm  should 
any  of  these  dreadful  serpents  be  discovered.     I  explained  to  them 

[419] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

also  that,  after  exploring  the  island  and  finding  no  traces  of  these 
creatures,  we  should  feel  much  safer  and  more  at  ease  than  now, 
when  we  were  in  fear  of  another  from  day  to  day. 
I  After  this  the  boys  plucked  up  courage,  and  we  started  early  one 
morning  on  our  expedition  to  the  marsh.  In  addition  to  our 
arms,  we  carried  with  us  bamboo  canes  and  wooden  planks,  some 
water-flasks,  made  of  the  skins  of  the  sea-dogs,  filled  with  air,  to 
enable  us  to  float  in  case  of  danger  on  the  marshy  ground. 
I  On  arriving  at  the  marsh,  we  threw  down  our  planks  across  the 
ground,  and  stepped  cautiously  over,  one  behind  the  other.  We 
found  many  traces  of  the  boa  in  the  reeds  and  rushes,  which  he 
had  crushed  down  in  lying  upon  them,  but  no  signs  of  eggs  or 
young  ones. 

I  We  returned,  after  a  strict  search,  by  the  chain  of  rocks,  one 
end  of  which  joined  the  marsh,  and  there,  to  our  surprise,  came 
upon  another  grotto,  or  cave,  from  which  flowed  a  little  stream  of 
clear,  sparkling  water.  I  and  Fritz  stepped  in  on  a  broad  path 
beside  the  stream,  and  found  that  the  ceiling  and  walls  of  this 
grotto  were  formed  of  glittering  stalactite. 

The  ground  on  which  we  walked  was  composed  of  soft  earth  as 
white  as  snow,  and  on  examining  it  closely,  I  found,  to  my  great 
satisfaction,  that  it  was  a  mineral  earth  called  alumine,  used  by 
fullers  in  cleansing  wool,  and  therefore  known  as  fullers'  earth.  I 
filled  my  pocket-handkerchief  with  as  much  as  it  could  hold  to 
take  home  to  my  wife,  which  made  the  boys  inquire  the  use  of  it. 

"It  will  be  of  great  use  to  your  mother  in  washing  our  clothes," 
I  said;  "for  fullers'  earth  is  used  by  fullers  to  cleanse  wool  before 
it  is  woven,  and  is  also  one  of  the  ingredients  in  making  soap." 

"What  are  the  other  ingredients,  papa?"  asked  Fritz.  "We 
might  make  some  for  mamma." 

"The  principal  materials  used  in  making  soap  are  alumine, 
potash,  tallow,  and  sometimes  turpentine;  but  soap-making  re- 
quires more  experience  in  mixing  the  materials  properly  than  we 
possess." 

[420] 


ROBINSON 

As  we  advanced  I  noticed  that  the  stream  got  narrower,  and 
issued  from  a  fissure  in  the  rock  at  the  hack  of  the  cave.  As  the 
stones  around  this  point  were  soft,  it  was  easy  to  remove  them, 
and  make  an  opening  large  enough  to  admit  Fritz  and  myself. 

Leaving  Ernest  and  Jack  outside,  we  crept  through  the  hole, 
and  found  ourselves  in  total  darkness.  Fritz  therefore  produced 
his  tinder-box  and  two  wax  candles,  which  we  quickly  lighted, 
and  stuck  them  on  our  bamboo  canes.  At  once  appeared  before 
us  a  large,  lofty  hall  with  a  vaulted  roof,  and  I  knew,  by  the  clear 
burning  of  the  candles,  that  the  air  was  pure,  and  we  could  ad- 
vance without  danger. 

When  our  eyes  became  accustomed  to  the  gloom,  we  could  see 
crystals  sparkling  from  the  walls  and  roof,  from  which  they  hung 
in  fantastic  forms. 

"Oh,  papa!"  exclaimed  Fritz,  joyfully,  "here  is  another  salt 
cavern!     Look  at  the  crystals!" 

"I  do  not  think  they  are  salt  crystals,"  I  replied,  "or  the  water 
of  the  brook  would  taste  of  it;  but  I  am  of  opinion  that  this  is  a 
cave  of  rock  crystals." 

"Rock  crystals,  papa!"  exclaimed  the  boy;  "then  we  have 
made  a  valuable  discovery." 

"Not  more  valuable  to  us  here,"  I  replied,  "than  the  bar  of 
gold  found  by  Robinson  Crusoe." 

"We  can  break  off  a  little  piece,  however,"  he  said,  "to  adorn 
our  museum.  See,"  he  continued,  as  he  separated  a  portion  from 
the  wall,  "  it  comes  off  easily."  And  then,  with  a  start  of  surprise, 
he  added:  "But  it  is  not  transparent." 

"No,  Fritz;  because  you  have  destroyed  the  hexagonal  shape 
of  the  stone  by  the  way  you  broke  it  off.  The  real  form  of  a 
rock  crystal  is  a  pyramid  with  six  sides  or  faces,  which  form  prisms 
and  admit  the  light.  If  this  form  is  destroyed,  it  ceases  to  be 
transparent." 

"How  wonderful!"  replied  Fritz.  "And  T  suppose,  then,  it  is 
the  number  of  sides  or  faces  in  a  diamond  that  make  it  sparkle." 

[4"] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Yes,  Fritz;  and  these  sides  are  cut  and  polished  with  great 
skill,  to  make  these  wonderful  stones  more  valuable.  Diamonds 
are  found  in  carbon,  but  the  best  mines  are  those  of  Golconda,  in 
India." 

By  this  time  our  candles  were  burning  low,  and  we  hastened 
to  return  to  the  outer  grotto,  after  having  fired  oflp  a  pistol  to  notice 
its  effect  on  the  crystals.  On  reaching  the  outside,  Jack  startled 
me  by  throwing  himself  into  my  arms,  and  sobbing  and  laughing 
together,  as  he  exclaimed: 

"Oh,  papa,  I'm  so  glad  you  are  come!" 

**Why,  my  boy.?  What  is  the  matter.?"  I  asked.  "Why  are 
you  glad  and  sorry  at  the  same  time  .?" 

*'rm  glad  to  see  you  and  Fritz,  papa,"  said  the  boy,  "because 
I  heard  a  noise  like  thunder  in  the  cave  twice,  and  I  thought 
the  cave  had  fallen  in  and  crushed  you  both  to  death." 

"My  dear  boy,  the  thunder  you  heard  first  was  only  the  report 
of  my  gun,  which  I  fired  when  I  left  the  cave.  The  second  time 
was  its  echo.     But  why  did  not  Ernest  remain  with  you  .?" 

"Oh,  he's  gone  to  that  bed  of  rushes,  so  he  did  not  hear  the 
noise  that  frightened  me." 

I  went  hastily  to  look  for  the  boy,  followed  by  his  brothers, 
and  found  him  seated,  cross-legged,  among  the  reeds,  and  plait- 
ing a  curious  construction  of  basketwork  with  striped  and 
pointed  rushes,  which  I  supposed  he  intended  for  a  flat  fish- 
basket. 

"And  where  are  the  fish  .?"  I  asked,  as  his  brothers  joined  me 
and  began  to  joke  him  about  his  basket-making. 

"I  have  not  been  fishing,"  he  replied,  "but  I've  shot  a  young 
boa  about  four  feet  long,  I  think.  There  he  lies  over  yonder, 
near  my  gun." 

Rather  alarmed,  I  hastened  to  examine  the  creature,  for  I 
knew  that  if  this  was  a  young  serpent  there  must  be  more  on  the 
marsh.     One  glance  relieved  me, 

"My  boy,"  I  exclaimed,  laughing,  "your  boa  is  nothing  but  a 

[422] 


ROBINSON 

fine  fat  eel,  which  will  provide  us  with  a  splendid  supper  this 
evening." 

"Is  it  ?"  he  said;  "then  I  have  thrown  a  number  away  into  the 
water.  I  thought  they  were  worms;  but  I  had  a  great  deal  of 
trouble  to  kill  the  large  one:  he  kept  moving  even  after  I  had  cut 
his  head  off — it  was  so  dreadful!" 

"These  creatures  have  a  great  tenacity  of  life,"  I  said,  "and  the 
worm  species  can,  I  believe,  unite  the  parts  of  their  bodies  when 
they  have  been  divided  by  the  gardener's  spade.  But  we  may  as 
well  return  home  and  tell  the  mother  the  discoveries  we  have 
made,  as  well  as  show  her  the  eel  you  have  killed,  Ernest,  think- 
ing it  was  a  young  boa;  your  courage  was  equally  commendable, 
my  son,  although  you  were  mistaken." 

We  returned  by  another  way,  over  the  rocks,  with  more  ease 
than  by  the  marsh,  for  the  ground  was  dry  and  firm.  On  arriving 
at  Rock  House  we  found  the  mother  at  the  well  busily  employed 
in  washing  our  clothes,  and  gladdened  her  heart  with  the  supply 
of  fullers'  earth.  Ernest's  eel  proved  also  very  acceptable,  as 
well  as  the  cleverly  made  fish-basket.  A  description  of  the  grotto 
in  which  we  had  found  the  piece  of  rock  crystal  we  left  to  be  re- 
lated at  our  dinner-hour. 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XXIX 


ANOTHER    EXCURSION — FRITZ   AND   THE    RATS 

EING  satisfied  now  that  the  neighborhoods  of  the 
marsh  and  the  duck-pond  were  free  from  all  signs 
of  the  serpent,  I  proposed  to  my  family  to  accom- 
pany me  on  a  second  excursion  to  Wood  Grange. 
This  proposal  was  received  with  joy,  and  great 
preparations  were  commenced,  which  occupied  us  nearly  a  week. 
Provisions  were  placed  in  the  cart  sufficient  to  last  four  weeks, 
together  with  our  travelling-tent,  cooking  utensils,  tools,  candles, 
torches  to  keep  off  wild  beasts  at  night,  and  plenty  of  arms  and 
ammunition. 

Thus  equipped  and  provided,  we  started  early  on  the  appointed 
day  from  Rock  House.  A  seat  was  kept  for  my  wife  in  the  cart 
drawn  by  Storm  and  Grumbler,  who  also  carried  Jack  and  little 
Frank  on  their  strong  backs.  The  cow  was  harnessed  to  the 
wheeled  sledge,  and  Fritz  on  Lightfoot  rode  a  few  paces  in  ad- 
vance, as  a  vanguard,  while  I  and  Ernest  walked  near  the  two 
conveyances.  We  had  arranged  that  when  tired,  Ernest  should 
ride  instead  of  Jack  for  a  time,  and  that  I  should  take  the  place 
of  Fritz  on  the  onager.  The  four  dogs  and  the  jackal  accompanied 
us  at  bank  and  rear. 

On  our  way  to  Wood  Grange,  and  not  far  from  the  sugar-cane 
groves,  we  discovered  traces  of  the  serpent  at  some  points,  proving 
a  struggle,  by  the  disturbed  state  of  the  sandy  road;  but  before 
we  reached  Falcon's  Nest  these  traces  had  completely  disappeared. 

The  poultry  here,  as  well  as  the  goats  and  sheep,  were  in  good 
condition,  and  had  greatly  increased  in  number.     We  threw  to 

[424  J 


ROBINSON 

them  a  good  store  of  fodder,  and  the  tame  creatures  followed  us 
for  some  distance,  and  seemed  glad  to  see  us. 

We  then  pushed  on  to  Wood  Grange,  and  found  the  animals  in 
the  farm  well  and  happy,  and  not  so  wild  and  frightened  as  at  our 
last  visit.  The  goats  and  the  sheep  were  the  first  to  approach  at 
our  call  when  the  caravan  stopped;  the  hens  and  chickens  fol- 
lowed, in  fluttering  haste  and  joyful  cackling,  and  greedily  swal- 
lowed the  grain  and  salt  which  was  quickly  thrown  to  them.  I 
decided  to  make  this  our  first  halting-place,  and  to  remain  all 
night;  my  wife,  therefore,  prepared  dinner,  while  I  and  the  boys 
strolled  to  the  field  to  gather  all  the  cotton-wool  we  could  find, 
to  make  pillows  for  our  use  at  night  during  the  journey. 

After  dinner  we  started  again  to  explore  the  neighboring  country, 
and,  for  the  first  time,  little  Frank  accompanied  us,  armed  with  a 
small  gun.  I  turned  to  the  left  of  Black  Swan  Lake  with  Frank; 
Jack  and  Fritz  took  the  opposite  direction,  while  Ernest  remained 
to  assist  his  mother  in  gathering  rice  from  the  rice-field  by  the 
lake. 

Each  party  had  with  't  a  detachment  of  our  light  infantry. 
With  Fritz  and  Jack  marched  Turk  and  the  hunter  jackal.  Floss 
and  Master  Nip  remained  with  Ernest  and  his  mother,  while  the 
two  young  dogs.  Fawn  and  Brownie,  followed  me  and  Frank.        j 

We  kept  to  the  shores  of  the  lake  as  closely  as  possible,  although 
several  times  obliged  to  go  a  long  way  round,  to  avoid  the  marshy 
ground  covered  with  rushes,  which  grew  near  the  water.  I  sent 
our  four-footed  companions  in,  however,  several  times,  and  they 
started  many  aquatic  birds,  and  among  them  herons,  woodcocks, 
and  wild  ducks,  who  flew  to  the  lake  and  sported  on  its  surface, 
or  soared  above  it  with  fluttering  wings.  Frank  at  last  became 
quite  impatient  to  make  his  first  trial,  by  firing  among  the  birds.   ' 

Suddenly  we  were  startled  at  hearing  a  strange  noise  from  amid 
the  rushes,  almost  resembling  the  braying  of  an  ass.  We  stood 
still  and  listened  attentively,  and  then  Frank  exclaimed,  quickly: 

"Papa,  I  believe  it  is  our  little  onager.  Swift." 

[  425  ] 


T«£  SWISS  FAMILY 

"No,  my  boy,"  I  replied,  "it  is  too  strong  a  voice  for  such  a 
young  animal;  besides,  he  could  not  have  followed  us  so  quickly 
from  Rock  House,  and  w^ithout  our  seeing  him.  No,  Frank,  I 
believe  it  is  a  bird  called  a  bittern.'* 

"Oh,  papa,  then  it  is  game,  and  I  may  shoot  it!"  cried  Frank; 
"besides,  it  must  be  an  immense  bird,  with  such  a  voice  as  that." 

"It  can  scarcely  be  called  game,  Frank,"  I  said,  "for  the  bit- 
tern is  a  species  of  heron,  and  the  flesh  has  a  fishy  and  disagree- 
able taste.  The  bittern,  however,  is  not  a  large  bird,  although 
his  voice  sounds  like  that  of  an  ox  or  an  ass;  he  is,  therefore,  in 
many  countries  known  by  the  names  of  water-ox,  marsh-ox,  or 
moss-cow." 

"  How  can  a  little  bird  have  such  a  dreadful  voice,  papa  ?"  asked 
Frank. 

"The  lowing,  crying,  or  whistling  of  animals  or  birds,  does  not 
depend  on  their  size,  Frank,  but  on  the  form  of  the  throat,  the 
size  of  the  lungs,  and,  above  all,  on  the  power  of  the  muscles  of 
the  chest.  You  know  that  the  nightingale  and  the  canary  are 
small  birds,  but  they  can  sing  very  loudly.  It  is  said,  however, 
that  the  bittern  increases  the  sound  of  Its  voice  by  thrusting  its 
beak  partially  in  marshy  ground,  and  thus  produces  a  deep,  hollow 
sound  resembling  the  lowing  of  an  ox." 

Frank  scarcely  listened  to  my  account  of  the  birds  and  their 
voices,  his  anxiety  was  so  great  to  bring  down  a  bittern  by  his 
first  shot. 

I  whistled  to  the  dogs  and  sent  them  to  beat  the  rushes,  while 
Frank  stood  ready  and  listened,  with  his  gun  pointed  and  his 
finger  on  the  trigger. 

In  a  few  moments  there  was  a  rustle  among  the  reeds,  followed 
by  the  report  of  a  gun,  then  a  cry  of  joy,  as  the  little  sportsman 
rushed  in  to  seize  his  prey. 

"I've  hit  it,  papa!     I've  hit  it!"  he  cried. 

"Hit  what  ?"  I  asked,  as  I  hastened  to  the  boy. 

*'A  wild  boar,"  he  replied;   "bigger  than  the  one  Fritz  shot." 

[426] 


ROBINSON 

"The  agouti  you  mean,  Frank;  but  I  hope  you  have  not  killed 
one  of  the  Httle  pigs  from  the  farm." 

By  this  time  I  had  reached  the  spot,  and  saw  a  strange-looking 
animal  lying  dead  on  the  ground,  very  much  resembling  a  pig, 
with  a  reddish-brown  skin,  and  a  pointed  nose,  but  evidently  not 
a  native  of  European  countries.  The  boy,  however,  was  almost 
beside  himself  with  joy  at  his  success.  On  a  closer  inspection  I 
found  that  the  creature  was  from  three  to  four  feet  long,  had  in- 
cisor teeth,  and  a  divided  upper  lip,  like  a  hare.  These  peculiari- 
ties, with  the  fact  that  the  creature  was  tailless,  and  that  the  toes 
were  united  by  a  membrane,  convinced  me  that  it  was  an  amphib- 
ious animal  called  a  cavy. 

I  could  now  congratulate  the  little  fellow  on  his  success  in  hav- 
ing shot  such  an  animal,  instead  of  a  wild  boar.  I  told  him  also 
that  it  was  a  native  of  South  America,  and  really  ought  to  be 
named  the  river-pig,  although  called  a  ca\T,  or  capybara,  and  that 
it  belonged  to  the  same  class  of  animals  as  the  beaver  and  the 
agouti. 

After  listening  to  my  account  of  the  animal,  Frank,  who  was 
anxious  to  carry  his  booty  to  our  tent  and  show  it  to  his  brothers, 
tried  to  raise  it  from  the  ground,  but  the  creature  was  too  heavy 
for  him. 

"Suppose  you  place  your  burden  on  Brownie's  back,"  I  said; 
"he  is  a  strong  dog,  and  will  carry  it  easily,  especially  as  the  dis- 
tance is  not  very  great." 

**Papa,"  said  the  boy,  "if  you  will  help  me,  I  think  I  could 
make  the  load  lighter  for  poor  Brownie  by  opening  the  cavy  and 
taking  out  the  inside.  It's  disagreeable,  I  know,  but  I'll  try  to 
bear  it." 

I  praised  the  little  man  for  conquering  his  disgust  in  a  case  of 
necessity,  and  readily  assisted  him  in  making  the  load  lighter. 
Brownie  and  Fawn  were  not  slow  in  accepting  the  feast  offered 
them,  and  after  the  cavy  had  been  properly  cleaned  and  prepared, 
it  was  placed  in  my  game-bag  and  fastened  on  Brownie's  back. 
2S  [  427  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Then  Frank  and  I  turned  our  steps  toward  the  tent  at  Wood 
Grange,  followed  by  the  dogs  Fawn  and  Brownie. 

On  our  way  I  looked  anxiously  for  any  trace  of  the  boa,  but  not 
a  sign  appeared.  The  apes  also  seemed  to  have  left  the  neigh- 
borhood, for  not  even  one  had  presented  itself  since  our  arrival 
at  Wood  Grange. 

When  we  reached  the  tent  I  saw  on  the  ground  a  large  number 
of  dead  rats,  the  massacre  of  which  Ernest  had  just  completed,, 
I  inquired  the  meaning  of  what  I  saw,  in  great  astonishment, 
and  also  where  these  disgusting  animals  had  been  found. 

"My  mother  and  I  were  gathering  rice  in  the  field,"  said  Ernest, 
"and  presently  I  noticed  one  or  two  elevations  rising  a  few  inches 
from  the  marshy  ground,  like  mole-hills.  Master  Nip,  who  had 
his  basket  strapped  to  his  shoulder,  ventured  near  one  of  these 
hills,  and  in  a  few  moments  I  saw  him  struggling  with  a  large  rat, 
and  trying  to  draw  it  from  a  hole. 

"I  ran  to  help  him,  and  after  killing  the  rat,  poked  my  stick 
into  what  was  evidently  a  rats'  nest.  Out  rushed  at  least  a  dozen 
rats;  some  of  them  I  knocked  down  with  my  stick,  the  others 
escaped  into  the  water.  But  the  cries  of  the  animals  brought  the 
whole  colony  upon  me,  and  they  began  to  attack  my  legs  in  a 
most  savage  manner.  I  struck  right  and  left,  and  killed  several, 
yet  in  spite  of  my  exertions  and  the  hissing  and  grinning  of  Mas- 
ter Nip  on  my  shoulder,  the  furious  animals  returned  to  the 
attack. 

"I  became  at  last  terribly  alarmed,  and  cried  out  for  help,  but 
you  were  all  too  far  off  to  hear  me,  and  I  began  to  wonder  what 
the  end  would  be,  when  suddenly  Floss  presented  herself,  and 
dashing  in  among  the  enemy,  with  one  grip  of  the  neck  laid  many 
of  them  dead  at  her  feet,  and  scattered  the  rest.  My  mother, 
who  had  heard  something  of  the  noise  at  the  other  end  of  the 
field,  now  came  to  the  spot,  and  looked  with  great  alarm  at  the 
dead  rats  which  Floss  and  I  had  killed.  But  when  I  explained 
how  it  happened,  and  that  the  danger  was  over,  she  desired  me 

[428] 


ROBINSON 


1 — r 


THE  RATS  BEGAN 
TO   ATTACK  ME 


ROBINSON 

to  bring  the  dead  animals  to  the  tent,  because  so  many  useful 
things  could  be  made  of  their  skins." 

This  account  of  the  rats  greatly  excited  my  curiosity  respecting 
them.  I  proceeded,  therefore,  to  the  scene  of  the  attack,  and 
found,  to  my  surprise,  that  their  nests  bore  a  great  resemblance  to 
those  of  the  beaver. 

"My  opinion  is  confirmed  about  these  animals,"  I  said  to  Er- 
nest, after  a  close  examination;  "they  are  musk  rats,  or  ondatras, 
as  they  are  called  in  North  America,  to  which  they  belong.  They 
resemble  the  beaver  in  many  respects,  especially  in  the  cleverness 
with  which  they  build  their  houses,  and  in  having  a  bushy  tail  and 
webbed  feet;  but  the  musk  rat,  or  civet  cat  as  it  is  sometimes 
called,  possesses  two  glands  under  its  tail,  containing  a  fatty 
substance,  which,  when  stale,  produces  musk,  and  is  used  as  a 
perfume.  I  think,  however,"  I  continued,  "that  the  sooner  we 
return  to  the  tent  and  commence  skinning  these  rats  the  better." 

We  set  to  work  quickly,  and  while  thus  employed,  Fritz  and  Jack 
returned  from  their  excursion.  Jack  carried  in  his  hat  about  a 
dozen  beautiful  eggs,  wrapped  in  a  kind  of  skin,  and  Fritz  brought 
two  heath  fowls,  a  cock  and  hen,  in  his  game-bag.  These  fresh 
supplies  were  at  once  taken  care  of,  and  then  the  two  boys  has- 
tened to  help  us  in  removing  the  skins  of  the  musk-rats,  and  to 
listen  to  the  story  of  his  battle  with  them,  which  Ernest  eagerly 
related. 

"Why,  they  are  nearly  as  large  as  rabbits,"  said  Fritz;  "how 
useful  the  fur  will  be!" 

I  explained  to  him  and  Jack  the  nature  and  species  of  the' 
animal,  as  we  carefully  took  off  the  skins,  cleaned  them  with 
ashes,  salted  them,  and  hung  them  up  to  dry.  The  bodies,  how- 
ever, we  were  obliged  to  bury,  for  they  were  so  impregnated  with 
the  smell  of  musk,  that  even  the  dogs  would  not  touch  them. 

The  cavy  being  now  produced,  Frank  was  made  a  hero  of  by 
his  brothers,  when  he  showed  them  the  result  of  his  first  shot. 
The  creature  was  afterward  skinned,  and  part  of  it  prepared,  and 

[431] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

placed  by  the  mother  on  the  spit  to  roast  for  our  evening  meal. 
But  we  found  the  fishy  taste  so  disagreeable,  that  very  little  of  it 
w^as  eaten  by  any  of  us. 

During  dinner  the  boys  made  many  inquiries  respecting  the 
musk-rat,  and  wondered  why  it  carried  about  with  it  such  a  power- 
ful odor  as  musk. 

"  It  is  perhaps  intended  as  an  attraction  to  animals  who  make 
this  species  their  prey,"  I  replied.  "The  beaver,  the  civet-cat, 
or  deer,  and  many  other  animals,  have  a  very  similar  odor.  The 
musk  of  the  civet-cat  which  is  found  in  Holland  has  a  more  agree- 
able smell  than  that  of  other  musk  animals;  it  is,  therefore,  the 
most  valuable  in  commerce." 

My  natural  history  lesson  came  to  an  end  when  I  paused,  for 
Ernest  suddenly  exclaimed: 

"I  wish  we  had  some  nice  dessert  to  take  away  the  taste  of 
Frank's  cavy,  papa." 

"Oh!  I  forgot,"  cried  Fritz,  starting  up;  "perhaps  I  have  some- 
thing for  dessert  in  my  game-bag";  and  presently  he  placed  be- 
fore us  two  small  cocoanuts  and  some  pineapples,  while  Jack  pro- 
duced a  small,  pale-green  fruit,  and  asked  me  if  it  would  be  safe 
to  eat  it. 

"  These  apples  looked  so  beautiful,  that  I  wanted  to  taste  one," 
said  jack;  "but  Fritz  advised  me  not  to  attempt  it,  as  he  thought 
the  fruit  resembled  the  poisonous  manchinella." 

I  praised  the  caution  of  the  boys  as  I  took  up  one  of  the  green- 
looking  apples  and  cut  it  in  half. 

"This  is  not  the  manchinella-apple,"  I  said,  "for  that  has  a 
stone  in  the  middle,  and  this  has  pips." 

While  I  was  speaking,  Master  Nip  crept  round  to  my  side,  and 
snatching  up  the  half  of  the  apple  I  had  divided,  rushed  away 
with  it  to  a  corner,  and  devoured  it  greedily. 

This  was  enough.     The  boys,  laughing  merrily,  pounced  upon ' 
the  rest  of  the  fruit  with  such  avidity,  that  I  could  scarcely  man- 
age to  save  one  or  two  for  the  mother  and  myself. 

[43^] 


ROBINSON 

The  taste  was  most  agreeable,  and  reminded  me  of  the  cin- 
namon or  clove-apple,  which  is  found  in  the  Antillas,  and  is 
considered  a  delicious  fruit. 

I  noticed  after  a  while  that  the  boys  looked  tired;  we  therefore 
laid  ourselves  down  in  the  old  Wood  Grange  hut  which  had  shel- 
tered us  on  former  occasions,  and  with  the  bags  stuffed  wuth  the 
cotton-wool  for  pillows,  slept  peacefully  till  morning. 

We  rose  at  daybreak,  and  after  an  early  breakfast  started  to 
continue  the  journey  to  the  sugar-cane  grove,  where  we  had  al- 
ready, on  a  former  visit,  erected  a  kind  of  arbor  of  branches  of 
trees  closely  interlaced.  This  arbor  was  still  in  good  condition, 
and  therefore,  instead  of  pitching  our  tent,  we  threw  the  sail-cloth 
over  the  top  of  the  hut,  rendering  it  in  this  mild  climate  quite 
comfortable. 

As  I  intended  only  to  remain  here  till  dinner-time,  there  was 
plenty  of  work  to  be  done  in  a  few  hours. 

Fritz,  Jack,  and  Frank  at  once  started  with  me  to  the  sugar- 
cane grove,  and  I  felt  thankful  to  observe  that  no  traces  of  the 
serpent  were  visible  in  this  direction.  As  we  walked,  several 
canes  were  broken  off,  and  the  sugar  sucked  from  them  with  great 
relish  by  us  all.  Not  for  long,  however,  could  we  enjoy  this  re- 
freshing occupation,  for  the  dogs  commenced  barking,  and  a 
strange  rustling  noise  was  heard  among  the  canes. 

We  could  not  see  while  in  the  thicket;  I  therefore  led  the  way 
out  cautiously  into  an  open  space.  We  were  scarcely  clear  of  the 
canes,  when  what  appeared  to  be  a  whole  herd  of  Httle  pigs  passed 
before  us,  and  I  at  first  supposed  they  belonged  to  our  old  sow, 
which  had  long  been  at  liberty.  But  the  number,  and  the  gray 
skin  of  the  animals,  told  me  I  was  mistaken;  their  structure  also, 
and  the  perfect  order  in  which  they  followed  the  leader  of  their 
flight,  were  most  remarkable,  and  convinced  me  that  they  were 
not  European  pigs,  but  fair  game;  yet  I  could  not  help  regretting 
when  the  two  shots  from  my  double-barrelled  gun  brought  two  of 
them  to  the  ground. 

[  433  ] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Strange  to  say,  the  procession  did  not  pause,  but  actually  passed 
the  dead  bodies  of  their  comrades  with  steady  steps,  and  without 
breaking  their  ranks.  Fritz  and  Jack,  following  my  example, 
fired  also,  and  while  the  troop  passed  on,  unmindful  of  their  fallen 
companions,  we  shot  down  about  a  dozen  of  them,  while  they  were 
within  reach. 

On  examining  the  dead,  I  recognized  in  the  animal  a  creature 
of  the  beaver  tribe,  called  a  peccary,  and  as  the  flesh  is  considered 
very  palatable,  Fritz  and  I  at  once  carefully  removed  the  musk- 
bag  from  each  without  breaking  it.  By  this  means  the  flesh  was 
preserved  from  a  flavor  that  would  have  been  very  disagreeable. 

All  at  once  we  heard  the  sound  of  two  pistol-shots  from  the 
direction  of  our  arbor,  and  as  I  knew  they  must  have  been  fired 
by  Ernest  and  his  mother,  I  sent  Jack  to  tell  them  we  had  plenty 
of  game,  and  desired  him  also  to  bring  the  cart  to  fetch  it. 

During  his  absence,  finding  our  load  rather  heavy,  I  proposed 
to  Fritz  that  we  should  remove  the  insides  of  the  animals  at  once. 
Presently  Ernest  appeared,  and  asked  me  the  name  of  the  creat- 
ure, and,  on  hearing  that  I  believed  it  was  a  peccary,  he  ex- 
plained the  cause  of  the  shots  we  had  heard. 

"The  troop  passed  near  our  arbor,  papa,"  he  said,  "and 
mamma  and  I  shot  two,  just  by  the  bamboo  thicket.  I  hope 
peccaries  are  good  to  eat." 

By  this  time  Jack  had  arrived  with  the  cart,  and  after  placing 
the  little  pigs  upon  it,  the  boys  covered  them  with  branches  of 
trees  and  flowers.  Frank  and  Jack  took  their  accustomed  places 
on  Grumbler  and  Storm,  while  Ernest  and  Fritz  seated  them- 
selves on  the  cart,  and  I  followed  with  the  dogs.  This  procession 
arrived  at  last  in  triumph  at  the  arbor,  where  the  mother  was 
waiting  so  impatiently  for  us. 

Perhaps  we  were  almost  as  impatient,  for  the  dinner-hour  had 
long  passed,  and  we  had  only  been  able  to  appease  our  hunger 
and  thirst  by  the  juice  of  the  sugar-cane. 

After  a  hasty  but  substantial  meal,  we  commenced  the  prepara- 

[434] 


ROBINS  ON 

tion  of  these  little  animals,  which  not  only  resemble  pigs  in  form, 
but  also  in  the  flavor  of  the  flesh.  The  legs  and  the  sides  we  cut 
off"  and  salted;  they  were  then  placed  in  sacks,  and  hung  upon 
the  branches  of  a  tree,  with  calabash  vessels  underneath,  to  catch 
the  drippings  of  the  salt  and  water,  which  we  frequently  threw 
over  them. 

On  the  following  day  the  boys  arranged  our  arbor  to  form  a 
smoke-house,  similar  to  that  at  Zeltheim  for  smoking  the  herrings, 
and  in  this  the  salted  joints  were  hung.  The  heads  and  other 
refuse  were  thrown  to  the  dogs  and  the  jackal.  I  then  proposed 
to  the  boys  that  a  whole  pig,  one  of  the  youngest,  should  be  cooked 
for  dinner  after  the  fashion  adopted  in  Otaheite. 

The  boys,  with  Fritz  as  their  leader,  commenced  operations  by 
digging  a  deep  hole  in  the  ground  and  burning  in  it  a  large  quan- 
tity of  reeds,  dry  grass,  and  wood,  in  which  were  placed  several 
stones,  to  remain  till  they  were  red  hot. 

Meanwhile  Fritz  cleaned  and  singed  the  little  peccary,  rubbed 
it  with  salt,  and  stuff'ed  it  with  potatoes,  pieces  of  meat,  and 
vegetables,  chopped  small  and  well  seasoned,  and  in  this  respect 
his  cooking  diff'ered  from  the  Otaheitans',  who  never  use  salt  nor 
seasoning. 

Not  being  able  to  obtain  banana-leaves,  I  advised  Fritz  to  wrap 
the  animal  in  any  leaves  he  could  find,  and  cover  them  with  bark. 
Thus  enveloped,  it  was  laid  in  the  pit,  covered  with  hot  cinders 
and  glowing  stones,  upon  which  earth  was  thrown,  until  the  whole 
pit  was  hidden  from  sight. 

During  the  progress  of  this  cooking  the  smoke  in  the  hut,  which 
was  large  enough  to  hold  all  our  salted  joints,  was  doing  its  work 
well,  and  I  had  no  doubt  that  in  two  days  large  portions  of  the 
peccary  would  be  sufficiently  smoked  for  the  purpose  of  preserv- 
ing them. 

In  about  two  hours  Fritz  considered  that  our  roast  must  be 
ready.  The  earth  and  stones  were  removed,  and  a  most  agree- 
able odor  of  roast  pork  arose,  accompanied  by  a  flavor  of  spices, 

[435] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

and    presently   the   splendidly-roasted   pig  was   lifted    out   of  its 
Otaheitan  oven  and  placed  on  the  table. 

Fritz  was  triumphant  over  his  successful  experiment,  and  his 
mother  quite  reconciled  to  the  clever  barbarian  cooking,  which 
she  had  before  laughed  at  as  absurd.  I  was  a  little  puzzled  to 
account  for  the  aromatic  flavor  which  our  roast  pig  had  evidently 
gained  while  in  the  ground,  till  I  remembered  the  bark  used  by 
Fritz  to  envelop  it.  I  immediately  examined  this  bark  and  the 
tree  which  produced  it,  and  came  to  the  conclusion  that  it  was  a 
native  of  Madagascar,  called  ravensara,  which,  in  the  language 
of  that  country,  signifies  good  leaf.  It  unites  the  flavor  of  the 
nutmeg  with  that  of  cloves  and  cinnamon,  and  an  oil  is  extracted 
from  the  leaves  which  has  the  flavor  of  cloves,  and  is  useful  in 
cooking. 

As  the  smoke  in  the  hut  required  attention  for  two  days  longer 
before  the  hams  would  be  ready,  my  wife  and  one  of  the  boys 
decided  to  remain  near  and  attend  to  it,  while  the  rest  of  us  again 

explored  the  neigh- 
borhood. On  our 
return  at  meal-times 
we  generally  brought 
with  us  some  booty, 
and  the  welcome 
news  that  no  trace 
of  the  boa  could 
anywhere  be  found. 
Among  other  things, 
we  discovered  a 
bamboo  thicket, 
containing  reeds 
nearly  sixty  feet 
high,  and  thick  in 
proportion.  I  managed  to  saw  ofl^  a  few  of  them  near  the  first 
knot,  for  I  hoped  to  make  the  hollow  parts  useful  as  light  casks 

[436] 


^r"  ,, '-'  -^^^^^"^S^^^^i'S^^f^^^^gi 


ROBINSON 

and  tubs.  Round  the  knots  or  joints  grew  horns,  hard  and 
sharp,  which  we  gladly  collected  to  use  as  a  substitute  for  nails. 

The  young  bamboo  shoots  also  which  grew  from  the  roots  of 
these  gigantic  canes  we  gathered  in  abundance.  A  kind  of  gum 
also  exuded  from  them,  and  this  gum,  when  dried  in  the  sun,  had 
the  appearance  of  saltpetre  or  soda. 

On  our  way  to  Prospect  Hill  one  morning  we  passed  through 
Wood  Grange,  and  I  found,  to  my  dismay,  that  the  monkeys  had 
again  attacked  the  farm  buildings.  The  goats  and  sheep  had 
wandered  away,  the  fowls  had  become  quite  wild,  and  the  stalls 
and  poultry-houses  were  so  broken  and  destroyed  that  I  knew  it 
would  occupy  several  days  to  repair  the  damage.  I  put  this  work 
off,  however,  for  another  opportunity,  as,  the  hams  being  now 
sufficiently  smoked,  we  wished  to  continue  our  excursion. 

We  took  only  one  ham  with  us  to  add  to  our  stock  of  provisions, 
leaving  the  rest  hanging  in  the  hut,  and  to  preserve  them  from  the 
attacks  of  wild  beasts  and  birds  of  prey,  we  piled  up  earth  and 
sand  to  a  great  height  round  the  place,  and  stuck  it  full  of  thorns 
and  thistles,  thus  forming  a  complete  barricade  against  robbers. 

During  the  two  days  of  our  stay  near  the  arbor,  while  the  hams 
were  being  smoked,  the  boys  and  I  cut  down  several  bushes  in 
the  cane  thicket,  to  make  a  pathway,  for  I  knew  we  should  other- 
wise be  unable  to  pass  with  our  loaded  vehicles.  Early  one  morn- 
ing, therefore,  our  little  caravan  set  out  gayly  to  continue  the 
journey  to  unexplored  parts  of  the  island,  and,  with  patriarchal 
trust  in  Providence,  proceeded  on  our  way,  and  passed  through 
the  cane  thicket  on  the  road  we  had  made  with  ease  and  comfort. 


TiiE  SWISS  FAMILY 


"WwTk'JR.LJJij 

Wm 

CHAPTER  XXX 

THE  GREEN  VALLEY — THE  BEARS 

FTER  walking  about  two  hours,  we  reached  the 
proposed  limit  of  our  wanderings,  at  the  outskirts 
of  a  small  wood,  and  here  I  determined  to  halt. 

The  spot  was  tolerably  cool  and  sheltered,  the 
wood  being  bounded  on  the  right  by  an  overhang- 
ing rock,  while  to  the  left  the  outflow  of  a  river  emptied  itself 
into  a  large  bay.  The  place  appeared  to  present  every  advan- 
tage of  safety  and  convenience,  and  we  at  once  commenced 
making  the  necessary  arrangements  for  a  long  stay. 

Within  gunshot  from  us  lay  a  narrow  pass  between  the  river 
and  the  rock,  which  I  hoped  would  lead  to  the  unknown 
country  beyond.  I  chose  a  little  thicket  for  our  halting-place, 
sufficiently  raised  for  us  to  command  the  opening  to  the  river's 
bank,  and  to  be  ready  with  our  arms  in  case  any  danger  pre- 
sented itself. 

While  dinner  was  being  prepared  I  and  the  boys  explored  the 
immediate  neighborhood,  but  found  no  enemies  worse  than  wild 
cats,  which  were  hunting  birds  and  badgers,  but  they  fled  at  our 
approach. 

The  morning  passed  quickly,  and  after  dinner  the  heat  became 
so  overpowering,  that  we  could  only  sit  in  the  shade  and  rest, 
hoping  that  by  the  evening  we  should  find  it  cooler,  and  our 
strength  sufficiently  renovated  to  enable  us  to  build  another  cabin 
of  branches  of  trees,  or  to  pitch  our  travelling-tent. 

This  resting-time  was  employed  in  talking  over  our  plans  for 
the   long  excursion  we    hoped    to  take  on   the   morrow.     I  was 

[438] 


ROBINSON 

anxious  to  explore  the  broad  plain  or  savannah  which  we  had 
seen  on  a  former  occasion  from  Prospect  Hill,  as  it  had  every 
appearance,  from  the  distance,  of  being  rich  and  fertile  pasture- 
land. 

I  decided  to  take  the  three  elder  boys  with  me,  that,  as  I 
laughingly  said,  we  might  have  a  strong  force  in  case  of  danger. 
My  wife  and  Frank  were  to  remain  at  the  tent,  well  armed,  with 
the  wagon,  the  animals,  and  the  various  articles  the  long-intended 
stay  had  made  necessary  to  bring  with  us. 

After  a  substantial  breakfast,  we  bid  farewell  to  the  mother  and 
Frank,  and,  surrounded  by  our  four-footed  friends,  started  for  the 
unknown  land,  and,  taking  the  narrow  pass  between  the  river 
and  the  rocks,  arrived  at  a  spot  from  which  could  be  seen  the 
immense  plain  stretched  out  before  us. 

It  was  indeed  a  wonderful  landscape  which  we  paused  to  gaze 
upon. 

To  the  left,  on  the  opposite  shore  of  the  stream,  which  we  had 
already  named  the  Eastern  River,  stretched  away  to  the  far-dis- 
tant horizon  a  range  of  woods  and  forests  of  palms  and  other 
trees  in  full  and  splendid  foliage. 

Behind  these  rose  a  chain  of  steep,  barren  mountains,  piled  one 
above  the  other,  while  their  summits  reached  the  clouds  and  were 
clearly  defined  against  the  sky.  We  waded  across  the  Eastern 
River  to  the  opposite  shore,  and  looked  back  to  the  pleasant  land 
we  had  left  behind,  on  which  rose  green  hills  covered  with  woods 
and  groves  in  picturesque  beauty. 

Continuing  our  way  toward  the  mountain  range,  and  leaving 
the  verdant  plains  behind,  we  found,  as  we  advanced,  that  the 
contrast  became  more  perceptible.  It  was  fortunate  that  I  had 
filled  my  water-flask  from  the  brook,  for  here  there  was  not  the 
least  trace  of  water,  or  even  moisture.  The  grass  was  burned  up, 
and  the  land  appeared  dry,  barren,  and  unfruitful.  The  contrast 
presented  by  this  arid  spot  to  the  verdure  and  fertility  of  the  plain 
we  had  left  was  truly  remarkable. 

[439] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Papa!"  exclaimed  Fritz,  "this  country  has  changed  greatly 
since  we  were  here  last  and  met  with  the  buffaloes." 

"We  have  never  travelled  so  far  as  this,  Fritz,"  I  replied;  "and 
besides,  there  is  a  cause  for  the  appearance  it  now  presents.  We 
saw  it  last  year  soon  after  the  rainy  season  had  ended,  and  since 
then  it  has  been  exposed  for  months  to  the  glowing  heat  of  the 
sun.  The  soil  is  evidently  rocky  and  sterile,  and  therefore  requires 
a  great  quantity  of  rain  to  soften  it  and  to  produce  vegetation." 

We  continued  to  walk  on,  however,  amid  the  sighs  and  com- 
plaints of  the  boys,  who  now  and  then  opened  their  parched  lips 
to  find  fault  with  the  country,  and  to  speak  of  it  as  Arabia  Petraea, 
or  the  Sahara  of  the  island. 

"Arabia  Petnea!"  cried  Ernest;  "it  is  a  thousand  times 
worse." 

*'Ah!"  exclaimed  another,  "it  is  a  land  only  fit  to  be  inhabited 
by  evil  spirits." 

"Yes,"  remarked  Ernest;  "and  the  ground  under  our  feet  is 
burning  hot.  There  must  be  subterranean  fire.  No  wonder 
everything  is  parched  and  dried  up." 

"Patience,  patience,  my  boys!"  I  exclaimed;  "you  forget  the 
old  proverb,  'When  all  is  wild,  it  will  soon  be  mild,'  and  the 
Latin  saying,  per  Augusta^  ad  Augusta.  No  doubt  we  shall  pres- 
ently find  a  shadow  under  the  overhanging  side  of  a  mountain, 
as  well  as  water  and  refreshing  verdure." 

At  last,  when  overcome  with  heat  and  fatigue,  we  reached  a 
pleasant  spot  at  the  foot  of  a  projecting  rock,  and  threw  ourselves 
down  to  rest  in  its  welcome  shadow,  and  to  gaze  in  silence  on  the 
scene  before  us. 

The  blue  mountains  were  clearly  defined  against  the  horizon, 
at  a  distance  of,  perhaps,  twenty  or  thirty  miles,  while  the  river 
wandered  in  serpentine  courses  through  the  broad  plain,  looking 
in  the  distance  like  a  thread  of  silver. 

We  had  not  been  resting  for  lonjr  when  Master  Nip,  with  most 
ridiculous  grimaces,  began  to  smdl  al)out  in  all  directions,  Then, 

[440] 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O  N 

screaming  hideously,  he  started  off  at  fidl  gallop  toward  the  rocks, 
followed  by  the  dogs. 

I  supposed  at  first  that  he  had  discovered  a  troupe  of  monkeys, 
but  we  were  too  much  overcome  with  heat  and  thirst  to  follow 
them.  We  had,  besides,  just  produced  our  provision  store,  and 
were  too  busily  engaged  to  move. 

Presently  Fritz,  who  had  his  eyes  fixed  on  the  distance,  saw 
something  that  surprised  him.     Starting  up,  he  exclaimed: 

"  Papa,  what  ever  is  that  yonder  in  the  valley  .?  It  appears  to 
me  like  a  man  on  horseback;  and  there  is  another,  and  a  third," 
he  added;  "and  now  they  are  all  in  full  gallop.  Can  they  really 
be  the  Arabs  of  the  desert  ?" 

"No,  certainly  not,"  I  replied,  with  a  laugh;  "but  take  my 
telescope  and  tell  me  what  you  can  make  of  this  wonderful 
sight." 

"It  is  stranger  than  ever,  papa,"  said  the  boy,  as  he  steadily 
looked  through  the  glass.  "The  moving  objects  look  like  herds 
of  cattle,  high-loaded  wagons,  or  wandering  haystacks.  Ha,  ha! 
what  can  it  all  be  ?" 

His  brothers,  in  turn,  looked  through  the  glass,  and  both  Ernest 
and  Jack  declared  that  they  believed  the  great  moving  objects 
were  men  on  horseback. 

I  then  took  the  telescope  myself,  and  discovered  at  a  glance 
that  the  moving  figures  were  nothing  but  a  few  gigantic  ostriches. 

"Oh,  papa!"  cried  Jack,  as  I  stated  my  conviction,  "a  living 
ostrich!  Oh,  wouldn't  it  be  delightful  to  ride  one,  and  to  have 
beautiful  feathers  for  our  hats  ?" 

The  birds  were  evidently  approaching  nearer  to  us,  and  I  there- 
fore desired  Fritz  and  Jack  to  call  in  the  dogs  and  search  for  the 
monkey,  while  I  and  Ernest  concealed  ourselves  in  a  bush,  from 
which  we  could  watch  the  movements  of  the  birds.  Among  these 
bushes  I  was,  however,  starded  at  recognizing  a  plant  which  fre- 
quently grows  between  the  fissures  of  stones  or  rocks.  From  the 
stem  of  this  bush  exudes  a  kind  of  sap  or  gum,  which,  although  a 

[441] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

deadly  poison,  is  very  useful  as  a  medicine,  and  called  by  some 
persons  luolfs  milk.  * 

After  a  long  absence,  Fritz  and  Jack  returned  with  the  dogs  and 
the  ape.  Master  Nip  had  scented  water,  and  the  whole  party, 
the  boys  included,  had  refreshed  themselves  with  a  bath,  and  re- 
filled their  water-flasks. 

All  this  time  the  ostriches  were  approaching  nearer  to  the  spot 
we  occupied,  so  that  we  were  able  to  observe  them  with  perfect 
safety. 

There  were  five,  one  of  them  a  male  bird,  as  the  large  and  beau- 
tiful tail-feathers  plainly  showed. 

"We  must  not  startle  them,"  I  said,  "for  if  they  begin  to  run, 
we  could  never  expect  to  overtake  birds  of  such  fleetness;  no 
horse  could  gallop  so  fast  as  an  ostrich,  although  Fritz's  eagle 
might  rival  them,  by  flying  as  swiftly  as  they  run." 

"  How  do  the  Arabs  catch  them  ?"  asked  Fritz. 

"On  horseback,  sometimes;  but  oftener  by  stratagem,"  I  re- 
plied. "The  ostrich,  when  he  finds  himself  pursued,  will  run 
for  hours  in  a  circle  of  an  immense  circumference.  The  hunter 
keeps  within  the  circle,  but  still  follows,  till  the  creature  flags  from 
fatigue.     He  then  crosses  the  circle,  and  the  capture  is  made." 

"Does  the  ostrich  really  bury  his  head  in  the  sand,  and  fancy 
no  one  can  see  him  ?"  asked  Ernest. 

"It  is  said  so,"  I  replied,  "and  I  believe  there  is  some  truth  in 
the  assertion.  But,  hush!  do  not  move,  the  birds  are  near  us," 
I  added,  quickly,  in  a  low  voice. 

The  ostriches  were  by  this  time  standing  at  a  short  distance 
from  us,  behind  a  slight  elevation.  Coming  upon  us  so  suddenly, 
they  appeared  starded  and  uneasy;  but  as  we  stood  still,  and  held 
back  the  dogs,  they  seemed  to  take  courage  and  approach  nearer, 
raising  their  arched  necks,  and  gazing  with  surprise  at  the  unac- 
customed spectacle. 

Unfortunately,  the  impatient  dogs  at  this  moment  escaped  from 

'  Most  probably  wolf's-bane,  or  aconite. 
[442] 


ROBINSON 

our  hold,  and  rushed  yelping  and  barking  upon  the  ostriches. 
Away  they  flew  hke  the  wind,  one  after  the  other,  and  seemed 
scarcely  to  touch  the  ground  with  their  feet.  They  appeared  more 
like  ships  at  full  sail  in  their  flight,  and  were  quickly  almost  lost 
to  us  in  the  distance;  but  Fritz  had  uncovered  the  eyes  of  his 
eagle  when  the  birds  were  first  alarmed,  and  set  him  free  to  follow 
them. 

We  saw  the  royal  bird  soaring  above  the  fugitives,  and  hastened 
to  follow,  in  the  hope  of  saving  the  one  he  pounced  upon.  Rapid 
as  were  our  movements,  the  dogs  were  there  before  us.  The 
beautiful  male  bird,  however,  being  a  little  in  the  rear,  was  quick- 
ly pounced  upon  by  the  eagle,  who,  with  one  blow  of  his  beak, 
brought  the  creature  to  the  ground. 

We  were  too  late  to  save  the  animal's  life,  for  the  jackal  and  the 
dogs  were  quickly  upon  him,  and  we  arrived  at  the  spot  only  in 
time  to  gather  up  a  few  of  the  most  beautiful  feathers. 

"WTiat  a  pity  to  kill  such  a  beautiful  creature!"  said  Fritz.  "I 
am  sure  he  could  have  carried  two  of  us  on  his  back  quite  easily. 
Why,  he  must  be  six  feet  high,  at  least;  and  his  neck  would 
measure  three  feet  more!" 

"What  can  these  creatures  get  to  live  upon  in  the  desert,  I 
wonder.?"  said  Ernest;    "nothing  grows  there." 

"It  is  said  that  the  ostrich  digests  anything — even  stones,"  I 
replied;  "but  his  usual  food  consists  of  plants  and  shrubs;  yet 
most  animals  who  inhabit  the  barren  regions  of  a  desert  can  Hve 
for  days  without  food.  The  camel,  as  you  know,  has  a  kind  of 
second  stomach,  in  which  he  carries  a  sufficient  supply  of  water 
to  last  for  many  hours." 

While  thus  conversing,  we  were  continuing  our  walk  towards 
a  beautiful  valley  which  I  had  seen  in  the  distance,  and  presently 
Ernest  and  jack  turned  aside  to  follow  the  movements  of  the 
jackal,  who  was  more  like  a  dog  in  his  habits,  and  seemed  now 
to  make  himself  their  leader.  All  at  once  they  stood  still  by  some 
withered  shrubs,  and  beckoned  to  us  to  join   them. 

[  443  ] 


T"^  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Ostriches'  eggs!  ostriches'  eggs!"  cried  the  boys,  joyiuUy,  and 
throwing  their  hats  in  the  air  as  we  overtook  them;    and  there  at 

their  feet,  in  a  hole 
in  the  sand  exposed 
to  the  sun,  lay 
twenty  eggs  as  large 
as  a  child's  head. 

"That is  a  glorious 
discovery!"  I  said; 
"but  do  not  disturb 
the  order  in  which 
the  eggs  are  laid,  or 
perhaps  the  mother 
will  forsake  them." 

"What  could  we 
do  with  so  many 
eggs  ?"  asked  Fritz. 

"Oh,  I  know," 
cried  Jack  —  "  take 
them  home  with  us,  and  lay  them  in  the  sand  to  be  hatched 
by  the  sun." 

"That  is  more  quickly  said  than  done,"  I  remarked.  "Those 
eggs  would  weigh  more  than  twenty  pounds,  and  who  is  to  carry 
them  .?  Besides,  the  ostrich  only  leaves  her  eggs  during  the  day 
to  the  heat  of  the  sun  in  these  hot  climates;  at  night  she  sits  on 
them  herself,  covering  them  carefully." 

The  boys,  however,  begged  me  to  let  them  take  home  two  eggs, 
to  show  their  mother.  I  therefore  cautiously  lifted  two  from  the 
top,  and,  to  enable  the  boys  to  carry  them  easily,  I  tied  each  egg 
in  a  piece  of  cloth,  like  a  stone  in  a  sling,  and  fastened  the  cloth 
to  a  string,  so  that  it  hung  loosely  from  the  hand,  and  could  be 
carried  without  danger  of  breaking  it. 

Even  in  this  way  the  eggs  soon  proved  themselves  too  heavy. 
I  therefore  cut  a  strong  elastic  stick  of  heath,  and  tied  one  egg, 

[  444  ] 


ROBINSON 

in  its  cloth,  at  each  end  of  the  stick,  that  the  boys  might  carry 
the  eggs  as  the  Dutch  milkmaids  do  their  milk-pails.  This  had 
the  effect  of  decreasing  the  weight.  We  also  set  up  in  the  sand 
a  cross  made  of  two  pieces  of  the  heath-stem,  that  we  might 
easily  find  the  nest  when  we  came  again. 

On  our  way  we  noticed  many  signs  of  strange  animals,  such  as 
buffaloes,  antelopes,  and  onagers,  but  no  trace  of  the  serpent. 

At  a  little  distance  farther  on  we  reached  a  spot  which,  in  this 
sterile  region,  proved  truly  refreshing,  for  a  little  spring  flowed 
from  the  rock  and  formed  itself  into  a  tiny  brook. 

We  seated  ourselves  by  its  side,  took  out  some  of  our  provisions, 
filled  the  water-flasks  with  fresh  water,  and  thoroughly  enjoyed 
the  rest.  Presently  Fritz,  who  was  watching  the  jackal,  saw  him 
at  a  little  distance  scratch  up  with  his  feet  a  curiously  formed 
creature.  He  rose  quickly,  took  it  from  him,  and  brought  it  to 
me  to  examine  it. 

"It's  like  a  little  turtle,"  said  Ernest,  "although  it  is  not  larger 
than  half  an  apple." 

"A  turtle!"  cried  Fritz.  "How  could  a  turtle  be  found  so  far 
from  the  sea  as  this  ?" 

"Very  likely  it  was  brought  by  a  shower  of  turtles  similar  to  the 
rain  of  frogs  we  read  of  in  old  romances," 

"Hallo,  Dr.  Ernest!"  I  cried,  laughing,  "you  are  mistaken  for 
once.  This  is  really  a  small  land-turtle,  of  the  kind  which  lives 
in  marshy  ground  and  near  fresh  water.  It  is  found  very  useful 
in  gardens.  Although  it  lives  upon  vegetables,  yet  it  destroys 
snails  and  other  vermin.  This  turtle  will  bury  itself  in  marshy 
ground  or  mud  during  the  hot  weather,  but  creeps  out  again 
gladly  when  the  rain  comes  and  renders  the  ground  soft  and 
muddy." 

The  boys  contrived  to  carry  with  them  two  of  these  little  harm- 
less creatures;  and,  after  enjoying  an  hour  of  refreshing  rest,  we 
again  started  forw^ard  on  the  journey,  and  presently  entered  a 
green  and  fruitful  valley. 

[445] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Here  and  there  stood  groves  of  trees  in  full  foliage,  and  so 
flourishing  and  fertile  was  its  aspect,  that  it  presented  a  striking 
contrast  to  the  dry  and  sterile  land  through  which  we  had  lately 
wandered.  The  cool,  fresh  breeze,  also,  after  the  burning  sun 
and  the  intense  heat,  was  so  refreshing,  that,  as  we  walked  through 
it,  we  decided  to  give  it  the  name  of  the  Green  Valley. 

Here  and  there  in  the  distance  could  be  distinguished  herds  of 
buffaloes  and  antelopes  peacefully  grazing;  and  no  doubt  we 
might  have  approached  nearer  to  them  but  for  the  dogs,  which 
were  always  several  paces  in  advance  of  us. 

Imperceptibly  the  valley  had  turned  away  to  the  left,  and 
brought  us  to  a  rising  ground,  and  I  was  amazed  at  finding  that 
we  had  reached  a  spot  opposite  to  the  place  at  which  we  had 
rested  in  the  morning.  We  had  taken  no  game  during  the  whole 
day,  and  had  nothing  to  carry  back  to  the  tent  but  the  ostrich 
tggs.  I  hoped,  however,  that  on  our  way  home  we  might  be 
more  successful. 

I  was  not,  however,  prepared  for  what  really  happened,  al- 
though I  remarked  that  our  dogs  were  becoming  wild,  and  looked 
so  scared  and  uneasy,  that  we  were  obliged  each  to  lead  them, 
excepting  Floss,  who  was  so  under  command  of  her  rider,  Master 
Nip,  that  she  seemed  to  have  lost  all  spirit  for  hunting.  In  less 
than  half  an  hour  we  found  ourselves  near  the  place  where  Fritz 
had  caught  the  young  jackal. 

Ernest,  looking  pale  and  tired,  crept  on  in  front  of  the  party, 
leading  the  way,  accompanied  by  the  dog  Fawn,  to  a  rocky  cave 
which  appeared  in  the  distance,  while  we  followed  slowly,  yet 
longing  for  its  cool  shelter.  Suddenly  a  cry  of  terror,  the  barking 
of  the  dogs,  and  a  low  growl  startled  us.  The  next  moment 
Ernest,  pale  as  death  and  without  his  hat,  rushed  from  the  cave 
and  threw  himself  into  my  arms,  exclaiming: 

"Papa,  papa,  don't  go  in!  There's  a  bear  in  the  cave;  and 
look,  he's  coming  out;   he  is  indeed!" 

I  placed  my  arm  for  a  moment  round  the  boy,  who  was  trem- 

1 446] 


ROBINSON 

bling  in  every  limb,  and  exclaiming,  "Courage!  courage!  my 
boy,"  I  let  the  dogs  loose,  and,  gun  in  hand,  rushed  toward  the 
cave,  followed  by  Fritz.  To  my  horror  v^e  were  met  at  the 
entrance  by  an  enormous  bear,  which  the  dogs  were  attacking 
furiously,  and  I  could  see  another  within  the  cave. 

Fritz  set  himself  bravely  to  do  battle  with  the  latter,  while  I 
prepared  to  meet  the  first.     We  both  fired  together. 

Jack  stood  ready  armed  at  a  little  distance,  yet  evidently  half 
afraid,  but  Ernest  had  rushed  back  as  the  bears  appeared,  and 
was  nowhere  to  be  seen. 

Our  first  shots,  though  they  wounded  the  bears,  were,  unfort- 
unately, not  mortal,  and  I  hesitated  to  fire  again  lest  I  should 
injure  the  dogs,  who  were  dragging  the  animals  hither  and 
thither,  at  the  risk  of  their  lives,  with  the  greatest  bravery. 

One  of  them,  however,  could  not  bite,  for  I  had  with  my  shot 
broken  his  under  jaw,  and  Fritz  had  wounded  the  other  in  the 
fore  paw;  they  had,  therefore,  lost  some  of  their  natural  strength, 
but  not  their  courage.  Indeed,  the  pain  and  the  attacks  of  the 
dogs  rendered  them  furious,  and  the  struggles  to  defend  them- 
selves, added  to  their  loud  growls  and  the  yelping  of  the  dogs, 
rendered  the  scene  truly  fearful.  The  bears,  sometimes  erect, 
sometimes  on  all  fours,  fought  bravely,  and,  as  I  could  see  that 
the  dogs  were  wounded  and  bleeding,  I  expected  every  moment 
to  see  one  or  two  he  dead  on  the  battle-field. 

At  the  same  time  the  bears  appeared  to  grow  weaker,  and  I 
therefore  determined  to  approach  nearer,  and  watch  my  oppor- 
tunity to  fire  when  close  upon  them.  Making  a  sign  to  Fritz  to 
follow,  I  went  forward  cautiously,  and  choosing  a  moment  when 
the  creatures  were  too  much  occupied  with  the  dogs  to  notice  us, 
I  shot  one  of  them  through  the  head,  while  the  ball  fired  by  Fritz 
passed  through  the  heart  of  the  other. 

"God  be  praised!"  I  exclaimed,  earnestly,  as  the  two  terrible 
enemies,  with  hollow  growls,  fell  dead  at  our  feet.  "We  have 
escaped  great  danger  with  His  help  and  protection." 

[447] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

After  satisfying  myself  that  the  bears  were  really  dead,  we  ap- 
proached nearer  to  examine  the  monsters,  and  also  to  ascertain  if 
the  dogs  were  seriously  injured.  They  had  certainly  received 
some  severe  bites,  and  their  skin  had  been  torn  slightly  by  the 
animals'  claws,  but  all  this  I  hoped  to  remedy  on  our  return  to 
the  tent.  While  thus  employed,  Jack,  who  had  from  the  distance 
witnessed  our  success,  ran  back  to  find  Ernest,  exclaiming, 
"Victory!  victory!"  in  a  joyful  voice;  and  presently  Jack  ap- 
proached the  field  of  battle,  followed  timidly  by  Ernest,  who  had 
not  yet  overcome  the  effects  of  his  first  alarm. 

Fritz  and  I  could  not  help  a  feeling  of  pride  as  we  examined  the 
monsters  we  had  destroyed — their  size,  their  strong  teeth  and 
terrible  claws,  the  structure  of  the  limbs,  and  the  wonderful  thick- 
ness of  the  fur. 

The  boys  stood  by  in  wondering  admiration  and  awe  as  I  spoke 
of  the  danger  we  had  escaped,  for  these  animals  would  no  doubt 
have  discovered  us  in  our  home,  and  perhaps  at  a  moment  when 
we  were  not  prepared. 

"Are  they  not  useful  now  they  are  dead,  papa.?"  asked  Jack. 

"Yes,  my  child,  very  useful;  the  flesh  is  much  esteemed  by  the 
people  of  the  countries  in  which  bears-  are  found,  and  the  fur 
alone  of  these  we  have  killed  would  form  a  most  valuable  article 
of  commerce  in  the  fur  trade.  You  observe  that  the  color  is  a 
silvery,  shining  gray,  and  I  believe,  therefore,  that  these  animals 
belong  to  the  class  of  bears  met  with  by  Captain  Clark  during  his 
travels  in  the  northwestern  countries  of  America,  and  named  by 
him  the  silver  bear." 

It  was  impossible,  on  this  occasion,  to  carry  home  our  booty; 
I  therefore  at  once  decided  to  leave  it  in  the  cave,  and  protect 
it  as  carefully  as  practicable  from  the  jackals  and  other  beasts 
of  prey. 

With  some  difficulty,  therefore,  the  dead  bears  were  dragged 
farther  into  the  cave,  and  covered  with  branches  of  trees,  while 
in  front  of  the  entrance  we  piled  thorn-bushes  and  prickly  leaves. 

[448] 


ROBINSON 


-.^  -      ^At, 


THE    BEARS    FOUGHT    BRAVELY 


ROBINSON 

The  eggs  of  the  ostrich  were  also  left  behind,  after  burying 
them  carefully  in  the  sand,  for  it  was  getting  late,  and  as  the  boys 
would  have  to  walk  quickly,  they  did  not  wish  to  be  burdened 
with  heavy  weights. 

We  did  not  reach  the  tent  till  after  sunset,  and  were  received 
by  the  mother  and  Frank  with  a  glad  welcome.  They  had  also 
been  busy  gathering  a  large  heap  of  wood  for  our  watch-fires, 
and  supper  had  been  ready  for  a  long  time.  After  relating  our 
adventures,  the  mother  hastened  to  describe  the  performances  of 
herself  and  little  Frank  during  our  absence. 

They  had  discovered  a  path  through  the  bushes  which  led  to 
the  foot  of  a  rock,  and  here  they  had  found  a  peculiar  kind  of 
white  lime  or  pipe-clay,  of  which  my  wife  thought  we  might  be 
able  to  make  china  cups  and  saucers  and  plates.  They  had  also 
met  with  bamboo  cane  suitable  for  pipes  to  convey  the  water 
which  flowed  fresh  and  sparkling  from  a  rock  close  by,  and  not 
far  from  the  farm. 

"A  hole  could  be  dug  in  the  ground,"  said  my  wife,  "to  which 
the  water  could  be  conducted  by  the  bamboo  pipes,  and  what  a 
boon  this  would  be  for  our  animals!  I  broke  off  a  large  piece  of 
the  rock  from  which  the  water  flows,"  she  continued,  "and  with 
this  and  the  mixture  of  the  white  clay  I  constructed  a  fireplace  for 
cooking,  much  more  convenient  than  stones.  The  remainder  of 
the  day  I  and  Frank  employed  in  gathering  materials  for  the 
watch-fires,  bamboo  canes,  as  well  as  a  supply  of  white  clay,  all 
of  which  we  brought  here  on  the  cart  drawn  by  the  buff"alo  and 
the  ox." 

"  Papa,"  said  Frank,  after  I  had  thanked  my  wife  for  her  in- 
dustry, "  I  saw  some  pieces  of  the  white  clay  in  the  fireplace  burnt 
hard,  and  looking  almost  like  glass." 

"Like  glass,  eh,  Frank.?"  I  said.  "Well,  after  the  watch-fires 
are  lighted  I  will  try  it." 

I  concluded  it  was  of  a  vitreous  nature,  and  could  easily  be 
made  useful  for  crockery,  as  my  wife  supposed. 

[451] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

Earnestly  the  boy  watched  me  as  I  softened  the  white  cLiy  and 
rolled  it  into  the  shape  of  two  balls,  which  I  then  placed  in  the 
hot  cinders  of  the  watch-fire. 

"We  must  leave  them  there  all  night,  Franky,"  I  said,  "and 
perhaps  by  the  morning  we  shall  find  two  pretty  glass  balls." 

After  the  wounds  of  our  brave  dogs  had  been  carefully  washed, 
touched  with  ointment,  and  bound  up,  they  laid  themselves  down 
by  the  watch-fire,  and  seemed  much  relieved. 

The  history  of  our  day's  journey  and  adventures  with  the 
ostriches,  and  the  fight  with  the  bears,  however,  occupied  little 
Frank's  mind  so  completely,  that  he  could  talk  of  nothing  else 
but  the  fact  that  we  were  all  to  go  to  the  bears'  cave  next  day, 
and  not  only  help  in  saving  the  beautiful  fur  and  salting  the 
flesh,  but  also  to  bring  home  the  eggs  of  the  ostrich  and  the  large, 
handsome  feathers  we  had  left  behind. 

Even  when  we  retired  to  the  tent,  glad  of  the  rest  we  so  much 
needed  after  our  exertions,  Frank  could  not  readily  fall  asleep  for 
thinking  of  the  morrow. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XXXI 

THE  CONDOR — FRANK  HEARS  THE  CUCKOO 

ARLY  next  morning  I  arose,  and,  waking  my  sleep- 
ing household,  proceeded    at   once    to  examine   the 
pipe-clay  balls.     They  had  become  hard  and  glazed, 
but  in  consequence  of  the  great  heat  of  the  fire  the 
balls  were  too  brittle,  and  had  the  clay  been  formed 
into  cups  and  saucers,  this  fact  would  have  rendered  them  useless. 
After  offering  our  morning  prayer  and  partaking  of  breakfast, 
we  harnessed  the  animals  to  the  cart,  and  started  on  the  way  to 
the  bears'  cave. 

Fritz,  who  was  a  little  in  advance  of  us,  no  sooner  came  in  sight 
of  the  entrance  than  he  cried  out: 

"Make  haste!  make  haste!  here  is  an  immense  flock  of  tur- 
keys; perhaps  they  have  assembled  to  do  honor  to  the  funeral  of 
the  poor  slaughtered  bears.  And  there's  a  sort  of  meddling  fel- 
low parading  before  the  cave,  as  if  he  were  a  sentinel  placed  there 
to  prevent  the  dead  from  being  disturbed." 

The  bird  described  by  Fritz  as  a  sentinel  was  of  immense  size, 
with  a  bright  red  comb  on  his  head,  and  lappets  of  the  same 
color  under  his  throat.  He  had  a  long  beak,  and  a  collar  of 
white  feathers  round  his  neck,  which  fell  upon  his  purple-red 
breast.  The  rest  of  the  bird's  plumage  appeared  of  a  dark  brown 
speckled  with  white. 

This  large  bird  marched  up  and  down  in  front  of  the  entrance 
to  the  cave  like  a  sentinel,  now  and  then  stepping  in,  but  not  to 
remain  for  long.  Other  and  smaller  birds  were  inside,  who, 
with  loud  cries  and  rustling  wings,  drove  him  back, 

[453] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

We  had  been  watching  this  amusing  spectacle  for  some  minutes 
when  a  rushing  sound  of  flapping  wings  in  the  air  startled  us. 
We  looked  up,  and  saw  an  enormous  bird  descending  to  the  cave. 
At  the  same  moment  Fritz  fired,  and  the  bird,  in  falling  heavily, 
struck  his  head  against  the  rock  and  broke  his  neck. 

The  dogs,  who  had  been  held  in  a  leash,  broke  loose  at  this,  and 
rushed  into  the  cave,  putting  to  flight  the  birds  inside,  who  rose 

slowly  in  the  air,  followed  by  the 
majestic  watcher.  Fritz  fired 
again,  but  the  ball  passed  him 
by  unhurt,  and  the  bird,  which 
was  evidently  the  king  vulture, 
soared  to  the  clouds  majesti- 
cally, and  was  soon  out  of  sight. 
Two,  however,  remained,  as 
the  result  of  Fritz's  gunshots: 
one  which  very  much  resembled 
a  turkey,  and  the  large  one, 
which  I  imagined  must  be  a 
condor  by  its  size,  for  it  meas- 
ured sixteen  feet  from  its  beak 
to  the  tip  of  its  tail. 

I  at  last  entered  the  cave, 
and  found,  to  my  satisfaction, 
that  only  the  eyes  and  the 
tongue  of  one  of  the  bears  had 
been  meddled  with.  Assisted 
by  the  boys,  I  commenced  at 
once  to  skin  and  cut  up  the 
animals,  and  prepare  the  flesh 
by  salting,  as  I  had  done  with 
our  other  booty. 
This  work  occupied  two  whole  days,  during  which  we  had 
erected  our  tent  outside  the  cave.     At  the  end  of  that  period  we 

[454] 


ROBINSON 

loaded  the  cart  with  the  skins  and  the  salted  flesh,  and  journeyed 
with  them  to  Prospect  Hill,  that  the  latter  might  be  smoked  in 
the  arbor.  This  was  more  especially  necessary  for  the  hams, 
which  were  large,  and  we  hoped  would  prove  as  agreeable  eating 
as  the  boar  hams  of  Westphalia.  Next  day  we  returned  to  our 
tent  outside  the  cave.  The  birds  of  prey  were  totally  unfit  for 
food,  as  birds  which  feed  on  carrion  always  are,  but  we  plucked 
them,  and  cleansed  the  feathers.  Some  of  the  condor's  wing- 
feathers  were  very  beautiful,  but  not  equal  to  those  of  the  ostrich. 

I  had  always  regretted  that  the  tree  from  which  the  bark  was 
obtained  that  gave  such  an  aromatic  flavor  to  the  roasted  pec- 
cary should  grow  so  far  off".  However,  I  told  the  boys  that  I  had 
seen  in  this  neighborhood  several  bushes  which  I  believed  were 
the  pepper-plant. 

I  had  noticed  that  clusters  of  berries,  something  like  currants, 
but  not  so  large,  grew  on  these  bushes;  but  the  clusters  being 
fuller  and  the  berries  closer  together,  they  bore  a  greater  resem- 
blance to  bunches  of  grapes. 

The  berries  were  varied  in  color,  some  being  red,  others  green 
or  white.  The  boys  readily  promised  to  assist  me  in  collecting 
about  a  hundred  young  shoots  of  these  bushes,  to  plant  at  Falcon's 
Nest  and  Zeltheim,  as  well  as  at  other  places,  when  we  returned 
from  our  excursion. 

My  boys  had  been  for  some  time  anxious  to  commence  a  jour- 
ney over  the  island  alone,  but  I  could  not  spare  them  until  the 
bear  hams  and  other  portions  were  thoroughly  smoked  and  dried, 
and  fit  to  be  added  to  our  stores  during  the  rainy  season,  without 
danger  of  spoiling. 

At  length,  no  more  smoking  being  required  for  the  hams,  I  told 
the  boys  they  might  prepare  for  their  journey.  My  information 
was  received  by  three  of  the  lively  youngsters  with  shouts  of  joy. 
Ernest  alone  held  back,  and  asked  to  be  allowed  to  remain  with 
his  mother;  and  Frank  entreated  me  to  let  him  accompany  Fritz 
and  Jack,  instead  of  Ernest. 

[455] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

After  some  consideration  I  gave  my  consent,  and  the  joyful 
shouts  were  repeated.  Lightfoot,  Storm,  and  Grumbler  were  soon 
saddled,  and  the  three  riders  sprang  to  their  seats,  waving  their 
hands  in  farewell,  and  looking  happy  and  delighted.  In  front  of 
each  cavalier  hung  the  bag  containing  his  store  of  provisions,  and 
in  a  belt  round  his  waist  were  fastened  his  pistol,  knife,  axe,  and 
game-bag. 

I  and  my  wife  watched  them,  as,  accompanied  by  the  dogs, 
they  rode  away. 

"Ah,"  thought  I,  "we  must  learn  to  trust  them  to  their  own 
resources.  They  are  growing  manly  and  strong,  and  if  I  were  to 
die,  I  could  even  now  trust  the  mother  and  his  three  brothers  to 
the  care  of  Fritz.  Heaven  will  watch  over  them,  and  I  beheve  that 
God,  in  His  providence,  will  protect  them  this  day  from  harm." 

During  their  absence,  while  examining  the  rock  at  the  back  of 
the  bears'  cave,  I  discovered  a  number  of  long  asbestos  threads, 
which  I  knew  when  melted  would  form  talc.  This  I  could  make 
valuable  to  us  for  window-panes,  being  much  clearer  and  more 
transparent  than  the  fish  glue  which  I  had  used  for  the  windows 
of  our  rock  house. 

My  wife  received  the  news  of  this  discovery  with  great  satis- 
faction; she  said  it  had  always  been  a  trouble  to  her  to  have 
window-panes  that  were  not  transparent. 

As  the  evening  approached  she  placed  on  the  stone  fireplace  a 
pot  containing  two  of  the  salted  bears'  feet  to  stew  for  supper,  and 
then  we  seated  ourselves,  to  wait  with  anxiety  and  impatience  for 
the  return  of  our  boy  hunters.  At  last  we  heard  the  clatter  of 
hoofs  approaching  at  a  sharp  trot,  and  distant  sounds  of  joyful 
cheering.     I  went  to  meet  the  riders. 

Like  military  hussars,  they  slackened  rein  when  they  saw  me, 
and  sprang  from  their  chargers,  took  off"  the  saddles,  and  left  the 
animals  free  to  enjoy  the  sweet  grass  and  the  fresh  water  from  the 
brook  at  their  own  free  will.  Then  they  hastened  to  join  their 
mother  at  the  tent,  who  received  them  joyfully. 

[456] 


ROBINSON 

Jack  and  Frank  each  carried  a  young  kid  slung  across  his 
shoulders,  and  the  movement  in  Fritz's  game-bag  gave  me  the 
impression  that  it  contained  something  alive. 

*'The  chase  forever,  papa!"  cried  Jack,  in  a  loud  voice;  "the 
chase  forever!  And  what  splendid  fellows  Storm  and  Grumbler 
are  to  run  over  level  ground!  They  so  tired  the  little  creature  we 
followed  for  a  long  distance  that  we  were  able  at  last  to  catch  it 
with  our  hands." 

"Yes,  papa!"  exclaimed  Frank;  "and  Fritz  has  two  such  pretty 
rabbits  in  his  bag.  And  we  were  very  nearly  bringing  you  some 
honey,  mamma,  only  we  stopped  to  hear  the  cuckoo." 

"Ah,  but  you  forget  the  best!"  cried  Fritz.  "We  met  a  troop 
of  antelopes,  and  they  were  so  tame  we  might  have  brought  one 
home  easily  had  we  wished." 

"Ah,  stay,  my  boy,"  I  said;  ''you  have  forgotten  the  best:  the 
goodness  of  God  in  bringing  you  all  home  safely  to  the  arms  of 
your  parents,  and  preserving  you  from  danger  on  the  way.  But 
presently  you  must  give  us  a  straightforward  account  of  your 
journey,  from  the  beginning,  after  you  have  rested." 

The  boys,  on  this,  hastily  ran  to  refresh  themselves  by  bathing 
their  faces  and  hands  and  removing  the  game-bags  and  arms  from 
their  girdles.  The  story  of  their  day's  adventures  was  then  com- 
menced by  Fritz. 

"When  we  left  this  morning,"  he  said,  "we  proceeded  at  a 
quick  trot  through  the  green  valley,  and  soon  reached  the  narrow 
defile  between  the  rocks  and  the  river,  and  came  presently  to  a 
slight  elevation,  from  which  we  could  see  a  large  extent  of  country. 
From  this  point  we  noticed  a  herd  of  pretty  animals,  but  I  could 
not  tell  whether  they  were  goats,  antelopes,  or  gazelles.  A 
thought  struck  me  that  we  might  drive  them  along  the  bank  of 
the  river  toward  Wood  Grange. 

"We  each  separated,  placing  ourselves  at  three  different  points, 
and  holding  back  the  dogs.  Frank  was  to  keep  along  the  bank 
of  the  river.  Jack  placed  himself  at  a  distance  from  him,  and  I, 

[457] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

mounted  on  the  onager,  stood  at  a  point  opposite  to  Jack.  We 
advanced  cautiously  toward  the  pretty  creatures,  and  came  gradu- 
ally nearer,  but  on  seeing  us  many  of  them  started  off  at  a  rapid 
pace.  Then  they  became  confused,  and  stood  close  together, 
staring  at  us  wildly.  At  this  moment  we  let  the  dogs  loose,  and 
galloped  after  them  at  full  speed  ourselves.  The  confused  ani- 
mals turned  from  us  toward  the  narrow  defile,  as  we  intended  they 
should,  for  we  had  placed  ourselves  at  these  different  points  to 
oblige  them  to  do  so. 

"I  wanted  to  drive  them  to  Wood  Grange,  and  I  knew  this 
could  only  be  done  by  making  them  prisoners  in  the  defile.  To 
produce  this  result,  we  tied  a  piece  of  string,  at  a  distance  of  about 
four  feet  from  the  ground,  across  the  whole  breadth  of  the  pass. 
Upon  it  we  fastened  the  ostrich  feathers  from  our  caps  and  some 
pieces  of  old  rags  we  had  in  our  game-bags.  The  wind  blew  them 
wildly  about,  so  that  when  the  animals  attempted  to  go  back, 
they  were  alarmed,  and  turned  to  proceed,  as  I  wished,  toward 
Wood  Grange;  for  on  one  side  was  the  water,  opposite  to  it  our- 
selves, the  dogs  at  various  points,  and  behind  them  these  alarm- 
ing-looking feathers  and  rags.  And  therefore,  papa,  as  they 
could  only  go  forward,  I  have  really  succeeded  in  attracting  them 
to  our  farm." 

"Well  done,  my  boy!  The  idea  was  a  clever  one.  But  tell 
me,"  I  said,  "what  made  you  think  of  it .?" 

"I  read  an  account  of  the  methods  adopted  by  the  natives  of 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  to  tame  antelopes,  by  bringing  them  into 
association  with  other  animals,  in  a  book  named  Travels  in  South 
Africoy  by  Captain  Levaillant,  a  naturalist,  so  I  thought  I  would 
try  the  experiment." 

"I  am  glad  you  remember  what  you  read,  Fritz,"  I  replied; 
"but  where  did  you  find  the  rabbits,  and  how  do  you  propose  to 
keep  them  ?  Rabbits  multiply  so  quickly  that  our  fields  and 
gardens  would  soon  be  overrun  with  them." 

"Ah,  but  you  forget,  papa,"  replied  the  boy.     "We  have  two 

[  458  ] 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O  N 

small  islands  on  which  these  pretty  little  creatures  could  live 
without  being  the  slightest  trouble  to  us,  and  we  should  not  only 
have  their  flesh  as  an  additional  store  of  food  for  our  table,  but 
their  fur,  which  is  quite  as  useful  as  the  skin  of  the  civet  rat;  and 
even  if  these  creatures  are  as  plentiful  as  rabbits,  their  flesh  is 
useless,  because  of  the  musk.  Besides,  on  our  islands  there  are 
quantities  of  vegetables  and  green  food  which  grow  without 
cultivation." 

"You  are  quite  right,  Fritz,"  I  said;  "and  I  will  help  you  to 
carry  out  your  plan  with  great  pleasure.  Have  you  brought  living 
rabbits  .?" 

*'Yes,  papa;  two.  We  saw  a  number  of  them  scampering 
about,  and  I  sent  up  my  eagle.  He  brought  me  three — two  alive 
and  one  dead.  I  gave  him  the  dead  one  as  a  reward.  The  two 
living  rabbits  are  in  a  basket-cage  now,  papa.  I  put  them  in  it 
as  soon  as  we  arrived.  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  take  them  to 
one  of  the  islands  very  quickly." 

"Papa,"  said  Jack,  impatiently,  before  I  could  answer  his 
brother,  "isn't  it  my  turn  to  speak  now  .f*  It's  all  on  the  tip  of 
my  tongue,  and  I  want  to  tell  you  what  Frank  and  I  did." 

"Of  course.  Jack,"  I  replied,  smiling;  "and  I  am  quite  ready 
to  listen  to  your  adventures.  How  did  you  bring  down  those 
beautiful  little  kids  .?" 

"In  a  gallop,  papa;  Frank  and  I  together.  Fritz  was  some 
distance  ofi^,  following  the  rabbits,  and  we  rode  slowly  behind 
him.  Our  dogs  were  snifl^ing  about  in  a  restless  manner  over  the 
thick  grass,  and  presently  they  started  two  animals  that  we  took 
for  hares.  Oh,  how  they  did  run  and  spring  along  in  front  of 
us!  But  we  kept  them  in  sight,  and  followed  on  Storm  and 
Grumbler  at  full  gallop,  sometimes  even  leaving  the  dogs  behind. 
In  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour  they  lost  breath,  and  fell  panting  on 
the  ground.  We  sprang  ofi*  our  saddles,  drove  back  the  dogs, 
and  found  that,  instead  of  hares,  the  creatures  were  two  beauti- 
ful little  fawns.     We  lifted  them  in  our  arms  and  bathed  their 

[  459  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

delicate  legs  with  palm-wine,  then  slung  them  on  our  shoulders, 
as  you  saw,  and  rode  back  to  Fritz.  And  that  is  the  history  of  our 
hunting  exploits." 

"And  very  successful,  too,"  I  replied,  "if  you  take  care  of  the 
little  creatures  and  can  tame  them.  I  do  not  think  they  are 
fawns,  however,  but  a  kind  of  dwarf  antelope.  And  now  tell  me, 
jack,  what  causes  your  face  to  be  so  inflamed  and  swelled  .?  One 
would  think  you  had  been  attacked  by  a  swarm  of  mosquitoes." 

"No,  papa,"  replied  Jack,  laughing;  "I  got  my  wounds  by 
meddling.  We  were  trotting  slowly  toward  home,  when  I  noticed 
a  bird  that  flew  past  us  to  a  tree  with  a  whirr  and  a  rustle  of  the 
wings,  and  then  waited  till  we  came  up  to  fly  off  again  to  another 
tree.  Frank  thought  it  might  be  an  enchanted  Princess,  who  was 
attracting  us  to  follow  her,  that  we  might  set  her  free  from  en- 
chantment, but  I  felt  a  wish  to  aim  at  it  for  its  boldness.  Fritz, 
however,  laughed  at  me  for  thinking  of  firing  a  gun  loaded  with 
ball  at  a  small  bird. 

"'Besides,'  he  said,  'you  would  not  wish  to  kill  a  cuckoo— the 
bird  that  tells  us  in  Europe  that  spring  is  come.' 

"'Its  uQte  doesn't  sound  exactly  like  our  cuckoo,'  I  said. 

"'Perhaps  not,'  replied  Fritz;  'but  I  think  this  is  one  of  those 
singular  birds  I  have  read  of  called  the  honey  cuckoo,  who  at- 
tracts the  attention  of  travellers,  as  if  wishing  to  inform  them  that 
honey  could  be  found  in  a  tree  close  by.' 

"On  hearing  this,  Frank  and  I  were  quite  ready  to  follow  the 
bird,  and  presently  it  alighted  on  a  tree,  ceased  its  song,  and 
stood  still.  We  stopped  also,  and,  after  examining  the  tree,  found 
a  bees'  nest  in  the  hollow  trunk  not  far  from  the  ground.  We  all 
talked  about  what  we  ought  to  do  to  get  some  of  the  honey,  but 
in  our  wisdom  there  was  very  little  common  sense;  for  when 
Fritz  at  last  proposed  that  we  should  sufi^ocate  the  bees  with 
sulphur,  I  lighted  a  brimstone  match  and  threw  it  into  the  tree, 
never  thinking  of  stopping  up  the  hole. 

*'In  a  moment  the  bees  were  upon  me,  those  inside  as  well  as 

[460] 


ROBINSON 

those  who  were  returning  home  for  the  evening.  They  attacked 
me  in  every  exposed  part — my  face,  my  hands-  and  some  even 
got  into  my  hair.  I  could  only  at  last  leap  on  my  buffalo,  and 
gallop  away  from  my  enemies.  As  soon  as  I  got  clear  of  them, 
I  touched  my  face  with  wet  earth,  but  it  still  burns  and  smarts 
terribly." 

"The  meddling  robber  often  punishes  himself,"  I  said,  with  a 
smile.  "You  have  plenty  of  courage,  my  boy,  but  very  little 
caution.  And  now  go  at  once  to  your  mother:  she  will  bathe 
your  face  with  something  to  cool  it  and  allay  the  pain." 

He  came  to  me  shortly  after,  to  tell  me  how  much  easier  it  was 
after  his  mother's  remedy,  and  then  ran  to  attend  to  his  fawns, 
and  to  see  that  they  were  safe  and  comfortably  lodged  for  the 
night. 

I  went  with  the  boys  to  examine  the  rabbits;  they  were  large 
and  handsome  animals,  and  I  decided  that  they  should  be  carried 
to  Whale  Island  as  soon  as  we  returned  to  Falcon's  Nest  or  Rock 
Castle. 

But  my  thoughts  rested  more  earnestly  on  the  bird  which  my 
boys  had  met  with.  It  appeared  to  be  really  one  of  those  which 
point  out  the  position  of  honey,  as  the  boys  had  described.  The 
fact  troubled  me.  Why  should  such  birds  exist  here  unless  the 
island  was  inhabited  ^  Other  circumstances  also  seemed  to  in- 
dicate, in  this  region  at  least,  the  presence  of  man.  Many  animals 
had  presented  themselves,  such  as  apes  and  buffaloes,  as  well  as 
birds  often  domesticated,  and  I  could  not  get  rid  of  the  idea  that 
the  interior  of  the  island  on  which  we  lived  was  inhabited  by 
human  beings. 

This  impression  made  me  determined  to  erect  a  kind  of  fortifi- 
cation on  Whale  Island,  and  to  place  there  a  battery  with  two 
cannons,  one  at  the  entrance  to  Deliverance  Bay,  the  other  in- 
land, on  the  shores  of  the  Jackal  River. 

After  the  antelope  kids  and  the  rabbits  had  been  cared  for,  I 
showed  the  boys  the  discovery  I   had  made  among  the  rocks  in 

[461] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY! 

the  bears'  cave,  of  a  species  of  asbestos,  and  explained  to  them  the 
great  advantage  it  would  be  to  us  to  make  talc  for  windows-panes; 
but  they  scarcely  looked  at  it,  and  were  much  more  interested 
when  the  mother  called  them  to  supper.  The  odor  from  the 
bears'  feet  was  very  tempting,  but,  unfortunately,  they  bore  such 
a  resemblance  to  human  hands  as  they  lay  on  the  dish,  that  Jack 
exclaimed,  in  the  words  of  the  ogre  in  the  story  of  Jack  and  the 
Beanstalk: 

"I  smell  the  flesh  of  an  Englishman!" 

His  mother  was  shocked  at  the  suggestion,  but  the  boys  laughed,  t 
and  were  glad  enough  to  enjoy  for  their  supper  the  tempting 
morsels,  in  spite  of  Jack's  remark.  After  we  had  finished,  the 
watch-fire  was  lighted,  and  we  retired  to  rest  in  our  tent. 

I  aroused  my  children  early  the  next  morning,  as  I  intended 
that  there  should  be  at  least  one  more  excursion  before  returning 
to  Rock  House,  where  many  arrangements  had  to  be  made  in 
preparation  for  the  rainy  season,  which  was  approaching. 

We  had  worked  well  so  far.  The  flesh  of  the  bears  had  been 
salted  and  smoked,  and  the  fat  melted  down;  we  had  also  a  large 
number  of  bamboo  canes;  but  I  wished  to  discover  whether  the 
ostrich  had  deserted  the  eggs  we  had  left  in  the  sand,  and  also  to 
obtain  a  supply  of  gum  from  the  euphorbia,  or  purple-flowering 
spurge.  I  had  noticed  this  gum  oozing  from  the  trunk  of  one  of 
these  trees  on  our  last  expedition,  and  I  knew  it  would  be  useful 
in  many  ways. 

Fritz  gave  up  his  onager  to  me,  and  rode  the  foal,  little  Swift, 
which  promised  to  become  a  clever  courser.  Ernest  remained  at 
home  to  help  his  mother,  for  the  quiet,  indolent  boy  took  very 
little  interest  in  these  fatiguing  excursions.  Frank  gladly  joined 
us;  he  was  a  spirited  little  fellow,  and  as  fond  of  enterprise  as 
Jack. 

We  set  out  with  the  two  old  dogs,  leaving  Fawn  and  Brownie  as 
a  body-guard  to  those  who  remained  at  the  tent.  Jack  rode  the 
buffalo,  and  Frank  the  young  ox.     We  proceeded  at  once  toward 

[462] 


ROBINSON 

the  green  valley,  and  this  time  took  the  direction  we  had  followed 
on  our  first  visit  to  Wood  Grange,  and  presently  came  to  the 
marshy  ground  where  Fritz  had  caught  the  turtle.  Here  we  filled 
our  water-flasks,  and,  proceeding  onward,  shortly  afterward  ar- 
rived at  the  rising  ground  from  which  we  had  seen  the  ostriches. 
We  had  given  it  the  name  of  the  Arabian  IVatch-tower,  because 
Fritz  had  mistaken  the  birds  for  Arabs  on  horseback. 

At  this  point  I  allowed  Jack  and  Frank  to  press  forward,  as 
they  wanted  a  gallop,  on  condition  that  they  should  not  allow  me 
to  lose  sight  of  them.  Meanwhile  I  remained  to  collect  the  gum 
of  the  euphorbia-tree  which  grew  at  this  spot.  I  had,  on  dis- 
covering the  tree,  made  incisions  in  the  bark,  from  which  the 
gum  had  flowed  abundantly.  This  was  placed  in  the  hollow  of  a 
bamboo  cane,  which  carried  it  splendidly. 

As  we  continued  on  our  way,  we  saw  our  advance-guard  at  a 
great  distance  in  front,  but  still  in  sight,  on  the  broad  level  plain. 
Presently  Fritz  said: 

"  Papa,  did  you  not  tell  me  this  gum  was  poisonous  ?  Why 
have  you  gathered  such  a  large  quantity  .?" 

"I  mean  to  use  it  to  destroy  the  apes  if  they  again  attack  the 
farm,"  I  replied,  "as  well  as  the  insects  that  injure  the  trees  and 
vegetables;  but  I  shall  carefully  avoid  planting  the  euphorbia- 
tree  itself  near  any  of  our  dwellings." 

We  now  trotted  on  quickly  after  our  cavaliers,  and  found  that 
they  had  halted  within  sight  of  a  number  of  ostriches.  We  joined 
them  cautiously,  and  Fritz,  who  wished  very  much  to  capture  a 
living  ostrich,  had  the  forethought  to  tie  firmly  the  beak  of  his 
eagle,  so  that,  should  he  let  the  bird  free  to  bring  down  one  of  the 
the  ostriches,  he  would  be  unable  to  injure  it.  The  creatures  were 
now  advancing  toward  us,  and,  hastily  dismounting,  I  gave  up 
the  onager  to  Fritz,  that  he  might  be  able  to  follow  the  fugitive 
j  more  speedily  on  a  stronger  animal  than  the  foal. 

He  was  only  just  in  time.  Four  magnificent  birds  were  seen 
approaching  us  at  almost   incredible  swiftness,  followed  by  the 

[463] 


T^E  SWISS  FAMILY 

two  young  riders,  who  were  driving  the  poor  animals  toward  us, 
accompanied  by  the  dogs.  They  were  close  within  gunshot  be- 
fore they  perceived  us,  and  at  this  moment  Fritz  sent  up  his 
eagle,  which  at  once  pounced  upon  the  head  of  the  nearest  ostrich, 
but,  in  consequence  of  his  bound  beak,  he  could   only  beat  his 

wings  on   the  creature's    back 
without  hurting  him.  » 

The  eagle,  however,  so  con-  \ 
fused  and  alarmed  the  bird 
that  he  could  not  defend  him- 
self nor  continue  his  flight. 
Jack  quickly  threw  the  lasso, 
but  instead  of  catching  only  the 
legs,  as  he  intended,  the  string 
became  also  entangled  in  the 
wings.  The  bird  at  once  fell 
to  the  ground,  while  the  boys 
set  up  shouts  of  joy  as  they 
ran  to  the  spot.  Fritz  called 
off  his  eagle  and  drove  away 
the  dogs,  and  I  lost  no  time  in 
endeavoring  to  set  the  wings 
free  and  tie  the  legs.  But  the 
struggles  of  the  bird  were  fear- 
ful, and  the  violence  with  which 
he  kicked  right  and  left  with 
his  entangled  legs  made  us  fear 
to  approach  him. 

I  had  begun  to  despair  of 
making  him  a  prisoner,  when 
happily  I  thought  of  covering  his  eyes  by  throwing  my  handker- 
chief over  his  head.  The  moment  I  did  so  the  struggles  ceased, 
and  I  rushed  up  quickly  to  tie  it  round  the  neck.  After  this  we 
had  no  further  trouble,  all  resistance  ceased,  and  I  was  able  to 

[464] 


ROBINSON 

fasten  round  his  body  a  broad  piece  of  dog-fish  skin,  with  two 
openings  for  the  tips  of  the  wings,  and  on  each  side  of  this  a 
piece  of  strong  cord  was  attached,  that  we  might  lead  him  easily. 
I  also  tied  the  two  legs  together  loosely,  with  a  cord  of  sufficient 
length  to  allow  him  to  run  fast,  but  not  to  make  his  escape. 

"Do  you  remember  having  read  of  the  manner  in  which  the 
natives  of  India  secure  the  newly  captured  elephants  ?"  I  asked 
the  boys. 

"Oh  yes!"  cried  Fritz;  "they  bind  the  wild  animal  with  strong 
leading-reins  between  two  tame  elephants,  and  also  fetter  its 
trunk." 

"All  right,"  replied  Jack,  laughing;  "but  we  ought  to  have 
two  tame  ostriches  to  lead  this  one,  and  where  are  we  to  find 
them  ?" 

"True,  my  boy,"  I  replied,  also  with  a  laugh;  "but  must  they 
be  ostriches  ^  Have  we  not  Storm  and  Grumbler,  such  capital 
fellows  to  run  ?" 

"Oh,  papa,"  cried  all  the  boys,  joyfully,  "that  is  a  famous 
plan!     It  is  sure  not  to  fail!" 

I  at  once  commenced  preparations:  I  led  Storm  and  Grumbler, 
one  on  each  side  of  the  animal,  who  still  lay  on  the  ground.  I 
then  added  to  the  strings  which  I  had  fastened  to  the  skin  of  the 
dog-fish,  two  leading-reins,  one  of  which  I  attached  to  the  bridle 
of  Storm,  and  the  other  to  the  horns  of  Grumbler.  Then  my  lit- 
tle cavaliers.  Jack  and  Frank,  mounted  to  their  saddles,  and  sat 
firmly  waiting  for  what  would  follow. 

I  removed  the  handkerchief  from  the  bird's  eyes,  and  placed 
myself  at  a  little  distance  to  see  the  result.  For  some  moments 
he  remained  without  moving,  as  if  sulky;  then  with  a  sudden 
spring  rose  to  his  feet,  and  seeing  no  obstacle  in  his  way,  darted 
forward  so  quickly  that  the  sudden  jerk  of  the  reins  brought  him 
on  his  knees.  He  was  soon  up  again,  and  began  to  struggle  vio- 
lently, and  rush  right  and  left,  in  vain  attempts  to  escape.  But 
the  strong  necks  of  Storm  and  Grumbler  were  proof  against  all 

(465] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

these  efforts,  and  after  one  more  attempt  to  beat  his  confined 
wings,  he  gave  way  and  sank  again  to  the  ground. 

After  allowing  him  a  few  minutes'  rest  after  his  struggles,  a 
slight  touch  of  the  whip  brought  the  captive  to  his  feet,  and  as 
Storm  and  Grumbler  at  the  same  moment  moved  forward,  he 
seemed  inclined  to  accommodate  himself  to  their  steps,  and  was 
completely  subdued.  Presently  the  boys  put  their  coursers  into 
a  gallop;  Fritz  and  I  followed,  and  were  greatly  amused  to  ob- 
serve how  the  strides  of  the  ostrich,  which  were  limited  bv  the 
length  of  the  string  attached  to  his  legs,  were  still  long  enough  to 
enable  him  to  keep  up  easily  with  the  gallop  of  Storm  and 
Grumbler. 

After  a  long  run,  I  told  them  to  draw  rein  and  walk  on  slowly 
with  their  prisoner  to  the  Arabian  Watch-tower,  and  wait  there  for 
us.  Fritz  and  I  then  turned  our  steps  to  the  spot  in  which  we 
had  left  the  eggs  of  the  ostrich.  I  had  brought  with  me  a  bag 
and  some  cotton-wool  to  wrap  them  in.  On  reaching  the  place, 
we  found  evident  signs  that  the  hen  bird  had  been  sitting  on  her 
eggs,  and  it  raised  joyful  hopes  in  our  minds  that  we  might  very 
soon  find  little  ostrich  chicks  running  about,  which  the  heat  of  the 
sun  by  day,  and  the  mother's  care  at  night,  had  brought  into 
existence. 

We  only  took  possession,  however,  of  a  few,  leaving  the  rest  to 
the  mother's  care;  and  after  packing  our  fragile  treasures  in  the 
cotton-wool,  and  placing  them  in  the  bag,  I  mounted  Swift  with 
the  eggs  in  front  of  me,  for  they  required  to  be  carried  most  care- 
fully, and  then  started  to  rejoin  the  boys  and  their  captive  at  the 
Arab's  Watch-tower.  From  thence  we  at  once  proceeded  to  the 
tent  at  the  bears'  cave — for  this  day  at  least  we  had  obtained 
sufficient  booty — and  passing  through  the  green  valley  on  our 
way,  we  arrived  safely,  rather  earlier  than  we  were  expected. 

The  admiration  expressed  by  my  wife  when  she  saw  the  new 
arrival  was  quickly  turned  to  anxiety. 

"I  shall  want  you  to  discover  an  iron-mine  next,  if  your  new 

U661 


ROBINSON 

companion  can  swallow  iron,  as  I  suppose  he  can  from  what  I 
have  heard.  And,  my  dear  boys,"  she  exclaimed,  addressing 
Jack  and  Frank,  "how  else  do  you  suppose  we  are  to  feed  that 
enormous  creature  ?  And  where  is  he  to  live  ?  Besides,  I  cannot 
see  that  he  will  be  of  any  possible  use." 

"  Mamma,  I  will  teach  him  to  carry  me  on  his  back,"  exclaimed 
Jack,  "as  Storm  does.  And  some  day,  if  we  find  that  our  island 
is  joined  to  Africa  or  South  America,  I  shall  be  able  to  get  to  these 
places  in  a  few  days,  and  bring  back  all  sorts  of  news.  He  flies 
like  the  wind,  mamma,  and  his  name  ought  to  be  Hurricane; 
and  Ernest  shall  have  Storm,  if  only  I  may  learn  to  ride  the 
ostrich." 

"But,  papa,"  said  Frank,  almost  in  tears,  "ought  Jack  to  have 
the  ostrich  all  to  himself.^  You  know  I  helped  to  hunt  him,  and 
Fritz's  eagle  brought  him  down." 

"Very  good,"  I  said;  "but  in  that  case,  as  the  unfortunate  bird 
belongs  to  all  three  of  you,  it  must  be  divided  into  three  parts. 
The  head  belongs  to  Fritz,  because  that  was  the  part  which  the 
eagle  seized,  and  you  and  Jack  must  each  have  half  of  the  body, 
which  was  tied  to  the  animals  you  and  he  rode,  with  the  one  wing 
and  one  leg." 

This  proposal  caused  a  laugh  among  the  boys,  for  I  knew 
neither  of  them  would  agree  to  have  the  ostrich  destroyed.  I, 
however,  settled  the  matter  in  this  way: 

"If  Jack  succeeds  in  taming  the  creature,  and  teaching  him  to 
receive  a  rider  on  his  back,  and  to  answer  the  movements  of  the 
bridle  and  the  knee  like  a  horse,  then  I  am  sure  he  will  deserve 
to  consider  the  animal  his  own,  as  a  reward  for  his  exertions. 
From  this  time,  therefore,  he  is  responsible  for  the  training  of  the 
ostrich." 

It  was  now  too  late  in  the  day  to  resume  our  journey,  but  I 
untied  the  leading-reins  from  Storm  and  Grumbler,  and  set  the 
prisoner  free,  to  place  him  in  safety  for  the  night.  With  the  assist- 
ance of  the  boys,  I  carefully  and  firmly  fastened  the  leading-reins 

[467] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

round  the  stems  of  two  trees,  between  which    the  ostrich  could 
stand  or  He  down  as  he  wished,  but  not  escape. 

The  rest  of  the  day  we  employed  in  packing  up,  ready  to  take 
to  the  rock  house,  the  many  valuable  things  we  had  discovered 
during  these  excursions. 


ROBINSON 


— r~ 

"^  1 

^H 

Mj 

IM 

TS 

iii^/i 

^f^ 

m 

7% 

%& 

chaptp:r  XXXII 

THE    OSTRICH    TRAINER 

E  rose  early  next  morning  to  proceed  on  our  way, 
but  the  ostrich  was  still  so  untamed,  that  we  were 
obliged  again  to  fasten  him  between  Storm  and 
Grumbler.  On  this  occasion  the  whole  household 
was  included,  as  we  intended  to  travel  by  the  way 
of  Wood  Grange  and  Falcon's  Nest  to  our  home  at  Rock  Castle. 
Storm  and  Grumbler  being  in  charge  of  the  ostrich,  we  har- 
nessed the  cow  to  the  cart,  which  was  loaded  with  the  tent  and  the 
recent  discoveries.  Room  was  left  for  my  wife  to  ride,  while 
jack  and  Frank  rode  Storm  and  Grumbler;  I  mounted  Lightfoot, 
and  Fritz  was  seated  on  Swift,  the  foal. 

Altogether,  our  caravan  presented  a  picturesque  appearance. 
On  passing  the  defile  we  halted,  as  the  boys  wished  to  remove  the 
feathers  of  the  ostrich  which  they  had  fastened  on  a  string  as  a 
snare  to  the  antelopes.  I  was  glad  of  the  opportunity  also  to 
increase  our  store  of  pipe-clay,  as  I  fully  intended  to  try  my  hand 
at  making  china,  during  our  residence  in  our  winter  home.  We 
stopped  again  at  the  sugar-cane  grove,  to  collect  the  peccary 
hams  which  had  been  left  in  the  arbor  to  be  smoked. 

My  wife  asked  me  also  to  gather  some  of  the  aromatic  seeds 
which  grew  in  this  neighborhood,  one  of  which  had  the  scent  of 
vanilla.  I  obtained  a  good  supply  for  her,  and  while  returning 
to  the  caravan,  Fritz  and  I  observed  that  no  trace  of  the  footsteps 
of  antelopes  and  gazelles  were  visible  in  the  sand;  we  hoped, 
therefore,  to  find  them  safely  domiciled  at  Wood  Grange. 

On  reaching  the  farm,  we  unharnessed  the  beasts,  tied  up  the 

[469] 


T 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

ostrich  between  two  trees,  and,  after  a  hasty  supper,  retired  to  our 
tent,  glad  of  the  bundles  of  cotton-wool  for  pillows,  after  such  a 
long  and  fatiguing  day's  march. 

Next  morning  we  visited  the  farm-yard,  and  to  our  great  satis- 
faction found  that  two  of  the  hens  had  fine  broods  of  chickens, 
which  my  wife  was  anxious  to  remove  to  Rock  House.  We  were 
beginning  to  long  for  our  home  in  the  cave,  which  seemed  more 
than  ever  home-like,  after  so  long  an  absence;  and  it  was  decided, 
therefore,  that  we  should  return  there  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  rabbits  and  the  young  antelopes  were  still  kept  in  their 
cages,  and  the  latter  were  becoming  quite  tame  and  sociable,  which 
greatly  pleased  me. 

We  found  also  that  the  flock  of  antelopes,  driven  by  Jack  and 
Frank  to  our  farm,  had  settled  themselves  comfortably  in  the 
park-like  spot,  adding  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  the  scenery. 

While  at  the  farm,  we  carefully  repaired  the  house  and  animal- 
stalls,  to  render  them  still  more  safe  against  the  attacks  of  the 
apes  or  wild  beasts,  and  also  to  make  the  former  ready  for  our 
own  accommodation  when  we  re-visited  the  spot. 

The  number  of  pigs,  goats,  and  poultry  had  greatly  increased 
since  the  colony  had  been  formed ;  we  saw  with  pleasure  the  little 
pigs,  kids,  and  chicks  running  about,  and  seeming  greatly  to  en- 
joy their  freedom.  But  they  were  rather  shy  of  our  approach, 
though  not  so  wild  as  on  our  first  appearance,  after  the  inroads 
of  the  apes  on  their  dwelling.  Having  arranged  everything  to 
our  satisfaction,  we  retired  to  rest,  fully  intending  to  start  early 
next  morning  for  our  grotto  home  in  the  rock. 

On  arriving  with  the  animals  and  our  various  acquisitions  which 
formed  the  cart-load,  about  noon,  my  wife's  first  performance  was 
to  open  the  door  and  windows,  and  admit  the  fresh  air. 

The  ostrich  was  set  free  from  his  leaders,  and  again  tied  be- 
tween two  bamboo  canes  in  front  of  the  dwelling,  and  there  I 
determined  he  should  remain  till  he  became  quite  tamed. 

The  ostrich  eggs  were  placed  in  warm  water,  and  those  which 

[470] 


ROBINSON 

we  fancied  contained  young  birds  were  laid,  wrapped  in  wool,  in 
the  drying  stove,  raised  to  a  certain  heat  by  the  aid  of  a  thermom- 
eter, in  the  hope  that  they  might  be  hatched. 

On  the  following  day  operations  were  commenced  in  earnest, 
and,  as  the  most  important,  a  rabbit  hutch  was  constructed,  as  a 
dwelling  for  the  Angora  rabbits.  A  comfortable  nest  was  made 
for  them  by  my  wife  in  the  inner  division,  of  cotton-wool  and 
straw,  and  they  were  then  carried  to  Shark's  Island  and  set  at 
liberty,  to  their  great  delight. 

My  next  care  was  for  those  gentle,  graceful  creatures,  the  ante- 
lopes.    We  had  brought  them  to  Rock  House,  but  we  could  not 
allow  them  freedom,  because  I  feared  the  dogs  might  frighten  the 
pretty  little  animals;    and  they  were   also  evidently  fretting  and 
i  unhappy  in  confinement. 

We  hastened,  therefore,  to  take   them  to  Whale  Island,  after 

!  having  erected  a  shelter  for  them,  and  it  was  a  pleasure  to  witness 

!  their  delight  when  they  found  themselves  free,  and  able  to  spring 

and  bound  as  they  pleased.     A  store  of  food  was   left  on  both 

islands,  to  supply  the   animals  till  they  had  become  used  to  the 

spot  and  knew  how  to  provide  for  themselves.     These  arrange- 

I  ments  for  the  rabbits  and  antelopes  occupied    us  for  the  whole 

of  two  days. 

One  of  the  little  tortoises  found  at  Wood  Grange  I  brought  with 

me  to  Rock  House,  intending  to  place  it  in  our  vegetable  garden, 

to  destroy  the  snails  and  other  insects;   but  fearing  the  creature 

i  might  also  eat  the  young  plants,  I  sent  Jack  to  place  it  among  the 

:  rushes  near  the  duck-pond. 

He  had  not  been  absent  long  on   this  commission,  when  we 
i  heard  loud  calls  from  the  neighborhood  of  the  marsh. 

"Fritz!  Fritz!"  cried  the  boy,  "come  and  help  me;  make  haste! 
;  and  bring  a  bamboo  cane  with  you." 

Fritz  obeyed  the  call  quickly,  while  I  wondered  what  could  be 

:  the  cause  of  this  commotion,  although,  after  all,  it  might  only  be 

one  of  Jack's  skirmishes  with  the  frogs.     But  presently,  to  my 

[471] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

surprise,  the  three  boys  appeared,  in  high  glee,  carrying  a  net  in 
which  was  imprisoned  a  magnificent  eel.  Ernest  had  secretly  laid 
two  nets  on  the  previous  day;  one  of  them  was  empty  and  torn, 
the  other  contained  the  delicious  fish,  which  the  mother  at  once 
took  charge  of,  and  promised  to  cook  a  portion  of  it  for  our  dinner. 
The  remainder  was  to  be  boiled  in  salt  and  water  and  rubbed  with 
butter,  to  preserve  it. 

The  veranda  or  balcony,  which  we  had  partly  erected  while 
building  the  pigeon-house,  stood  in  front  of  our  home  in  the  rock. 
It  was  formed  of  tall,  slender  bamboo  canes,  and  the  beams  of  the 
roof,  which  sloped  from  the  rock,  were  attached  to  a  long  thick 
plank  which  rested  firmly  on  the  canes.  At  the  foot  of  the  bam- 
boo supports  I  planted  the  young  shoots  of  the  vanilla  and  pepper, 
as  well  as  other  creeping  plants  which  could  be  trained  round 
them;  not  only  to  improve  the  aspect  of  our  rock  house,  but  also 
to  form  a  pleasant  shade  during  the  hot  weather.  My  wife  was 
equally  busy  in  the  house.  With  the  help  of  one  of  the  boys,  she 
placed  the  bear  and  peccary  hams  in  the  store-chamber. 

The  hens  and  chickens  we  had  brought  from  the  farm  were 
kept  in  a  hen-coop,  and  fed  daily  with  barley  and  crumbs,  my 
wife  having  placed  them  in  a  shady  spot  under  her  own  eye,  for 
we  feared  Master  Nip  or  the  jackal  might  be  inclined  to  make 
some  unfortunate  experiments  on  their  anatomy. 

The  bears'  skins  were  laid  in  the  sea  near  the  shore  to  purify 
them,  and  under  great  stones  to  prevent  them  from  being  carried 
away  by  the  waves,  or  dragged  from  their  position  by  sea-crabs. 

The  skins  of  the  musk-rats  still  emitted  a  powerful  odor;  we 
therefore  tied  them  together,  and  hung  them  in  the  open  air  under 
the  roof  of  the  veranda,  that  the  interior  of  the  dwelling  might 
he  free  from  the  smell. 

The  condor  and  the  vulture  were  placed  in  the  museum,  to  be 
stuffed  during  the  rainy  season,  when  work  out  of  doors  would  be 
impossible.  I  also  brought  in  the  mica,  or  pipe-clay,  and  asbestos. 
With  the  former  I  hoped  to  make  china  vessels  and  window-panes, 

[472] 


ROBINSON 

and  of  the  latter  wicks  for  our  lamp.  Every  edible  article  had 
been  given  to  my  wife  to  add  to  the  stores,  but  the  gum  of  the 
euphorbia  I  took  charge  of  myself,  wrapping  it  carefully  in  paper, 
on  which  I  wrote  in  large  letters  Poison,  as  a  warning  to  my 
boys. 

These  arrangements  employed  us  two  days,  and  now  several 
duties  presented  themselves,  all  apparently  of  equal  importance: 
the  cultivation  of  an  acre  of  land  to  receive  wheat,  barley,  and 
maize,  the  taming  of  the  ostrich,  the  management  of  the  ostrich's 
eggs,  and  the  preparation  of  the  bears'  skins. 

We  decided  that  the  field  cultivation  was  the  most  important, 
yet  very  fatiguing,  as  none  of  us  had  been  used  to  the  heavy  work 
of  farm  laborers  or  ploughboys.  However,  we  set  about  it  with 
a  good  will. 

The  animals,  being  now  accustomed  to  the  yoke,  were  very 
useful  in  drawing  the  plough;  but  the  ploughshare  was  a  light 
one,  and  did  not  turn  up  the  earth  deep  enough,  and  we  had, 
therefore,  to  dig,  hoe,  and  work  with  all  our  strength. 

It  was  not  possible  to  follow  this  laborious  employment  dur- 
ing the  heat  of  the  day;  we  therefore  worked  for  two  hours  in 
the  morning,  and  two  in  the  evening.  Yet  we  fully  realized  the 
words  of  Scripture,  "By  the  sweat  of  thy  brow  shalt  thou  eat 
bread." 

During  the  intervals  of  rest  from  this  heavy  labor  I  had  noticed 
that  our  poor  captive,  the  ostrich,  appeared  untamable.  I  was 
therefore  obliged  at  last  to  use  the  means  adopted  in  taming  the 
eagle,  and  to  stupefy  him  with  the  fumes  of  tobacco. 

The  powerful  effect  it  had  rather  alarmed  me,  for  he  fell  to 
the  earth,  and  remained  for  some  time  motionless.  When  at  last 
he  raised  his  head,  I  lengthened  the  string,  that  he  might  get  up 
and  walk  round  the  bamboo  canes  to  which  he  was  tied.  My 
wife  then  brought  all  kinds  of  nourishment  which  she  thought 
the  creature  would  eat,  but,  although  subdued  and  evidently 
mourning  over  his  fate,  the  poor  captive   refused  everything  that 

[473] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

was  offered  him  for  three  whole  days,  and  became  so  feeble  and 
weak,  that  we  feared  he  would  die. 

At  length  my  wife  determined  to  try  to  save  the  animal's  life 
by  an  experiment.  She  made  balls  of  crushed  maize  mixed  with 
butter,  one  of  which  she  placed  inside  his  beak.  It  was  imme- 
diately swallowed  with  ease,  and  a  second  and  third  eagerly  looked 
for.  From  that  moment  his  appetite  returned,  and  he  ate  what- 
ever was  offered  to  him,  and  soon  recovered  his  strength. 

But  now  all  the  wild  nature  of  the  bird  had  vanished,  we  began 
to  doubt  whether  we  should  find  enough  to  feed  him. 

The  boys  were  surprised  one  day  to  find  the  creature  swallow- 
ing small  pebbles,  but  I  explained  to  them  that  the  ostrich  requires 
these  to  enable  it  to  digest  its  food,  as  other  small  birds  need 
gravel. 

At  all  events.  Master  Whirlwind,  as  Jack  had  named  him,  lived 
principally  on  vegetables,  maize,  and  acorns,  and  became  so  tame, 
that  we  could  do  as  we  liked  with  him;  a  welcome  result,  as  the 
education  could  commence  at  once. 

In  less  than  a  month  the  ostrich  had  been  trained  by  Jack  to 
walk  and  run  with  the  boy  on  his  back  so  cleverly,  that  I  began 
to  consider  how  far  we  might  make  him  useful  as  a  riding-horse. 

I  could  easily  contrive  a  saddle,  but  how  could  a  bit  he  made 
to  suit  a  bird's  beak,  or  reins  to  guide  an  ostrich  I 

I  was  almost  inclined  to  give  it  up,  when  I  suddenly  remem- 
bered that  the  change  from  light  to  darkness,  or  the  contrary, 
greatly  influenced  the  creature. 

I  determined,  therefore,  to  construct  a  leathern  hood,  some- 
thing like  that  worn  by  the  eagle,  but  of  course  larger.  It  was  to 
reach  from  the  back  of  the  head  to  the  commencement  of  the 
beak  in  front,  and  to  have  holes  cut  in  it  for  the  eyes  and  ears.* 
Having  fitted  this  to  the  bird's  head,  I  fastened  a  ring  on  each 
side,  and  my  wife  sewed  on  strings  to  tie  it  under  his  throat. 

*  This  hood  must  have  resembled  the  hoods  of  horse  clothing  which  valuable 
horses  wear  when  taken  out  by  the  grooms  for  exercise.  These  hoods  have  n? 
doubt  been  seen  frequently  by  the  readers  of  this  story. 

[474] 


ROBINSON 

Over  the  eye-holes  two  square  flaps  were  sewn,  to  be  raised  or 
let  fall  by  a  connection  with  the  bridle,  which  was  formed  of  a 
strap  fastened  at  each  end  to  the  rings  at  the  beak.  I  hoped  by 
this  arrangement  to  guide  our  feathered  courser,  for  I  had  noticed 
that  darkness  would  immediately  bring  the  creature  to  a  full  stop, 
even  while  running  swiftly.     My  plan  was  this: 

If  the  rider  wished  to  go  straight  forward,  both  eye-holes  would 
remain  uncovered;  then  to  make  the  creature  turn  to  the  left,  he 
must  let  down  the  little  curtain  over  the  right  eye,  or  if  to  the 
right,  the  left  eye  must  be  covered;  and  to  stop  him,  the  light 
must  be  shut  out  from  both  eyes. 

The  performance,  however,  proved  more  difficult  to  carry  out 
than  I  had  expected;  but  by  degrees  and  with  a  little  persever- 
ance the  tormented  animal  at  last  submitted,  and  in  a  very  short 
time  appeared  to  understand  the  meaning  of  the  covered  or  un- 
covered eyes,  and  to  obey  the  movement  of  the  bridle. 

I  was  rather  proud  of  my  contrivance,  and  I  do  not  hesitate  to 
affirm  that  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  I  should  have  received  an 
English  patent  for  my  saddle  and  bridle,  and  have  been  appointed 
saddler-in-chief  to  the  African  ostriches. 

I  will  here  describe  the  saddle.  It  was  placed  near  the  neck 
of  the  ostrich,  partly  resting  on  the  shoulders  and  partly  on  the 
back,  being  fastened  by  a  girth  under  the  wings  and  across  the 
breast.  This  position  was  necessary,  as  the  slope  of  the  back 
would  have  rendered  it  unsafe,  and  the  shoulders  are  the  strong- 
est part  of  a  bird's  back. 

We  did  not  expect  Master  Whirlwind  to  act  as  a  beast  of  bur- 
den, but  as  a  fleet  courser;  and,  with  Jack  as  his  rider,  he  soon 
proved  his  right  to  the  name  of  Whirlwind.  His  journeys  between 
Falcon's  Nest  and  Rock  House  were  performed  with  astonishing 
rapidity. 

But  the  wondrous  qualities  of  this  fleet  steed  created  a  little 
dissension  among  the  boys,  who  were  not  at  all  pleased  that 
Jack  should  be  the  sole  proprietor.     Jack,  however,  held  fast  to 

[  475  ] 


Ta£  SWISS  FAMILY 

his  new  possession,  and  his  brothers  could  not  conceal  their  i 
jealousy.     I  was  therefore  obliged  to  interfere.  I 

"I  must  allow  Jack  to  retain  the  ostrich,"  I  said,  "because  he  ; 
is  not  only  lighter  in  w^eight  than  Fritz  or  Ernest,  but  is  more  agile  \ 
in  his  movements.  Frank  is  not  strong  enough  yet  to  manage 
such  a  fleet  horse.  At  the  same  time,  I  only  give  up  the  ostrich  | 
to  Jack  on  condition  that  his  brothers  may  use  it  occasionally,  or  j 
when  it  is  wanted  on  any  special  service  requiring  swiftness."       I 

By  this  time  our  field-work  was  completed,  and  sown  with 
wheat,  barley,  and  maize.  On  the  opposite  shore  of  the  Jackal 
River  we  had  planted  potatoes  and  the  cassava-root,  and  here 
and  there  other  seeds  were  scattered  in  the  fertile  soil,  which  in 
this  climate,  as  we  knew,  required  no  cultivation. 

Long  before  the  education  of  the  ostrich  was  completed,  Fritz 
had  introduced  me  to  three  young  ostriches,  which  had  been 
hatched  in  the  oven  by  keeping  up  a  certain  temperature.  They 
were  curious  little  creatures,  delicately  formed,  but  with  comical 
heads,  and  looked  like  young  cygnets,  with  their  yellow  down  and 
swan-like  throats,  as  they  trotted  about  on  their  long  stilt-like 
legs. 

One  of  them  only  lived  a  few  hours,  and  although  the  mother 
carefully  watched  the  two  remaining  chicks,  and  fed  them  with 
lightly  boiled  eggs  and  milk  mixed  with  cassava  flour,  they  were 
all  dead  in  three  days. 

The  preparation  and  cleansing  of  the  bears'  skins  formed  our 
next  employment.  They  had  already  been  salted  and  dried  and 
scraped.  I  had  no  tan,  however,  and  to  supply  this  deficiency  I 
mixed  honey  with  water,  and  after  boiling  the  mixture,  and  waiting 
till  it  became  sufficiently  cool,  I  soaked  the  skins  in  this  honey- 
water  for  several  days,  till  they  were  softened  and  fit  to  use  as 
leather.  i 

I  placed  them  in  the  shady  arbor  we  had  made  near  the  rocks,  i 
that  they  might  dry  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  before  the  com- 
mencement of  the  rainy  season. 

[476] 


ROBINSON 


HE   PROVED   HIS   RIGHT  TO 
THE  NAME  OF  WHIRLWIND 


ROBINSON 

While  boiling  the  honey-water  for  soaking  the  skins,  the  liquid, 
after  being  skimmed,  appeared  so  clear,  that  it  struck  me  I  might 
save  some  of  it  as  a  refreshing  drink,  before  using  any  of  it  for 
the  skins. 

I  therefore  drew  off  enough  to  fill  one  of  our  bamboo-reed  casks, 
and  boiled  it  again  with  nutmeg,  cinnamon,  and  spurge-leaves. 

The  result  was  most  successful,  for  we  tasted  the  brew  ^  and 
found  it  both  agreeable  and  refreshing.  The  cask  was  at  once 
covered  carefully,  and  carried  to  a  cool  place  in  the  rock  cellars. 

My  work  at  the  skins  proved  very  successful;  the  leather  was 
without  a  crease,  and  free  from  the  least  unpleasant  smell,  and 
the  long  fur  so  soft  and  shining,  that  I  felt  delighted  with  the  fruit 
of  my  labors. 

My  success  in  so  many  trades  induced  me  next  to  try  hat- 
making,  and  I  determined  that  my  first  trial  should  be  a  hat  for 
Frank,  of  the  civet-rat  or  beaver's  skin.  After  several  attempts, 
I  at  length  produced  a  kind  of  felt,  which  I  colored  a  bright  red 
with  cochineal,  and  then  dipped  it  in  a  solution  of  India-rubber  to 
make  it  water-tight.  I  next  prepared  a  wooden  block,  of  the  size 
and  shape  I  required,  and  stretched  the  softened  felt  upon  it; 
and  after  passing  a  hot  iron  over  the  fur  to  smooth  it,  I  left  it  to 
dry  and  get  hard  on  the  block. 

Next  morning  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  presenting  to  my  wife 
and  the  boys,  a  well-made,  light,  firm,  and  elegant  little  red  Swiss 
hat.  My  wife  admired  it  greatly,  and  at  once  prepared  to  line  it 
with  silk,  and  adorn  it  with  a  knot  of  ribbon  and  two  large  and 
two  small  ostrich  feathers.  This  clever  production  was  placed 
on  the  head  of  little  Frank,  and  everybody  said  it  became  him 
admirably. 

As  may  be  supposed,  each  of  my  boys  begged  me  to  make 
similar  hats  for  them,  and  I  promised  to  do  so  as  soon  as  they 
could  obtain  for  me  the   necessary  material,  either  civet-rats  or 

*  This  pleasant  drink  is  still  made  in  many  English  counties.  It  often  ap- 
peared at  the  tables  of  the  rich  and  noble  in  the  time  of  the  Saxons,  and  is  still 
named,  as  it  was  then,  tnead  or  metheglin. 

[479] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

beavers.  I  advised  them  to  make  half  a  dozen  rat-traps,  of  a 
size  large  enough  to  admit  the  w^ater-rat,  v^hich  has  the  most 
beautiful  fur  and  is  the  largest  of  the  species.  But  I  told  them 
these  traps  must  be  made  to  kill  the  animal  at  once,  not  to  torture 
or  imprison  it,  with  the  prospect  of  a  horrid  death  from  dogs. 

I  decided,  also,  that  the  fifth  animal  they  brought  me  of  every 
five  should  be  mine,  that  I  might  obtain  sufficient  materials  to 
make  a  bonnet  for  mamma  and  a  hat  for  myself.  I  made  this 
arrangement  to  show  them  the  justice  of  paying  the  workman  for 
his  work. 

The  boys  readily  agreed  to  this  arrangement,  and  went  to  work 
quickly  with  the  traps;  for  the  rainy  season  was  close  at  hand, 
and  might  come  upon  us  without  a  moment's  warning. 

My  great  success  in  so  many  trades,  especially  hat-making,  pro- 
duced a  strong  wish  to  attempt  the  manufacture  of  porcelain;  I 
therefore  determined  to  look  over  my  store  of  materials,  and  then 
make  my  first  trial. 

Just  behind  the  animals'  sheds  in  the  cave,  the  pots  and  kettles 
and  calabash  vessels  were  arranged  in  order.  I  therefore  took 
some  of  these  as  patterns  to  begin  with.  The  store  of  pipe-clay 
required  cleansing  and  washing,  the  asbestos  had  to  be  beaten 
down  into  talc,  and  then  mixed  with  water  into  a  soft  mass. 
The  unbeaten  talc  I  gave  to  my  wife  for  oil  wicks.  In  one  of 
the  chests  brought  from  the  wreck  I  found  a  number  of  glass 
beads  of  various  colors,  with  which  it  had  been  intended  to 
barter  among  the  savage  natives  of  the  South  Sea  Islands. 
These  I  broke  with  a  hammer,  and  crushed  to  a  fine  colored 
powder. 

All  my  materials  being  now  ready,  I  found  that  I  needed  moulds 
for  the  different  vessels.  These  moulds  I  made  of  gypsum,  which 
also  required  drying  and  baking  before  it  could  be  used,  so  that 
my  work  did  not  get  on  very  quickly. 

At  last,  however,  I  was  able  to  press  the  porcelain  material  into 
the  moulds,  and  place  them  in  the  oven.     When  they  were  partly 

[480] 


ROBINSON 

baked,  I  sprinkled  the  powder  of  the  glass   beads  over  them,  in 
the  shape  of  stars. 

After  many  failures,  I  succeeded  at  last  in  producing  a  set  of 
white  china  cups  and   saucers,  a  cream-jug,  sugar-basin,  and  six 


small  plates,  smooth  and  glossy,  and  enamelled  with  many- 
colored  stars. 

The  shapes  of  my  china  articles  were  far  from  perfect,  but  they 
gave  great  satisfaction,  and  when  Fritz  filled  the  plates  with  rosy 
and  golden  fruit,  resting  on  green  leaves,  the  table  presented  a 
very  attractive  appearance. 

While  busy  with  my  china  the  rainy  season  commenced,  and  I 
could  not,  therefore,  leave  home  to  obtain  a  fresh  supply  of  mate- 
rials for  porcelain.  I  turned  my  attention  to  the  condor  and  the 
vulture.  The  skins,  which  I  carefully  removed  with  the  feathers, 
were  soaked  in  warm  water,  into  which  I  had  thrown  a  little 
euphorbia  gum  to  destroy  the  insects.  I  then  sewed  them  to- 
gether and  stuffed  them  firmly  with  cotton-wool.  Through  the 
legs  of  the  birds  pieces  of  cork  were  thrust,  and  also  in  the  neck 
and  under  the  shoulder  of  each  wing,  to  keep  these  parts  firm. 
I  was  at  first  puzzled  about  the  eyes,  but  at  length  determined 
to  make  four  balls  of  porcelain  of  the  necessary  size,  on  which, 

[481] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

while  half  baked,  I  painted  the  pupil  of  the  eye;  and  the  eyes, 
when  fixed  in  the  head,  added  greatly  to  the  natural  appearanc€ 
of  these  birds  of  prey,  for  they  looked  very  fierce. 

The  condor,  with  outstretched  wings,  which  were  supported 
by  cane  and  strong  wire,  was  fixed  at  one  side  of  our  dwelling- 
room  against  the  partition,  and  the  vulture  on  the  highest  of  the 
book-shelves  in  a  standing  position.  Both  birds  were  considered 
by  us  all  as  ornaments  to  our  home  in  the  rocks.  In  all  these  per- 
formances the  boys  took  great  interest,  and  worked  with  me 
diligently  in  every  way  to  enable  me  to  carry  out  my  intentions. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XXXIII 


THE  YOUNG  RAT-CATCHERS — THE  CANOE 

LIMATE,  as  well  as  other  causes,  often  produces  a 
languor  or  disinclination  for  active  exertion,  and  this 
was  the  case  with  us  after  the  first  few  weeks  of  the 
rainy  season  had  passed  away. 

During  that  period  the  porcelain  manufacture,  the 
bird-stuffing,  and  other  useful  employment  within,  and  occa- 
sional rapid  rides  on  the  ostrich  during  an  hour's  cessation  of 
rain,  as  sometimes  occurred,  had  made  the  time  pass  tolerably 
quickly.  But  now,  although  I  tried  to  encourage  the  boys  in 
their  studies  and  in  reading  interesting  books,  the  time  seemed 
to  drag  on  heavily,  and  restless  inactivity  was  the  result.  At 
last  Fritz  roused  himself,  and  said  to  me: 

*'Papa,  could  we  not  make  a  real  Greenlander's  canoe.?  We 
have  a  swift  post-horse  for  travelling  by  land;  why  should  we  not 
make  a  boat  to  cut  through  the  water  with  equal  speed  ^  We 
might  extend  our  sea  voyages  perhaps  to  other  countries,  and 
make  so  many  new  discoveries." 

The  proposition  pleased  us  all  greatly,  excepting  the  mother, 
who  always  felt  anxious  when  we  were  on  the  water,  and  therefore 
considered  that,  with  the  pinnace  and  the  boat,  we  had  vessels 
enough.  But  when  I  explained  to  her  that  a  cayak,  or  Green- 
lander's  canoe,  was  a  very  safe  boat,  covered  with  the  skin  of  the 
dog-fish,  and  almost  as  buoyant  as  a  life-boat,  she  said  no  more. 
We  had  plenty  of  wood  and  materials,  and  time  enough  to  finish 
the  skeleton  of  the  boat  by  the  end  of  the  rainy  season,  so  the 

[483] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

boys  were  again  roused  to  activity,  and  we  set  about  the  boat- 
building with  eager  interest. 

The  long,  thick  pieces  of  whalebone,  from  their  natural  curve 
and  elasticity,  were  very  useful  in  forming  the  two  sides  of  the 
canoe.  These  were  fastened  firmly  together  at  each  end,  forming 
the  stem  and  stern,  and  fitted  into  a  plank  underneath  as  a  keel. 
Split  bamboo  canes  built  up  the  sides  over  the  whalebone  curves; 
the  keel,  which  was  at  least  twelve  feet  long,  was  strengthened  by 
a  band  of  copper  running  the  whole  length,  and  in  this  I  fixed  an 
iron  ring  to  moor  the  boat. 

The  deck,  which  was  also  made  of  split  bamboo  canes,  ex- 
tended over  the  whole  of  the  canoe,  excepting  at  an  opening  in 
the  middle,  in  which  the  rower  could  sit  and  use  oars  or  paddles. 

All  this  occupied  us  so  completely,  that  the  rain  passed  away 
and  the  sun  shone  out  bright  and  clear  almost  before  our  canoe 
was  ready  to  be  removed  out  of  the  cave.  Fortunately  the  en- 
trance was  wide  enough  to  let  it  pass,  although  we  had  to  take  the 
door  off  its  hinges  for  that  purpose. 

In  our  anxiety  to  finish  it  as  quickly  as  possible,  we  had  scarcely 
noticed  the  rapid  growth  of  the  corn  or  of  the  creeping  plants 
round  the  veranda,  which  really  surprised  me  as  we  pushed  the 
boat  out.  But  this  did  not  delay  the  work.  The  sides  were 
quickly  covered  with  the  skin  of  the  dog-fish,  and  in  the  fore  part 
a  mast  was  fixed  with  a  three-cornered  sail.  When  at  length  the 
little  skiff  was  launched  on  the  water,  it  bounded  like  a  leather 
ball,  and  floated  so  lightly  that  it  scarcely  drew  an  inch  of  water. 

But  before  Fritz,  whom  I  considered  the  rightful  owner,  could 
be  trusted  out  to  sea  alone  in  this  fragile  boat,  his  mother  declared 
that  she  would  try  her  ingenuity  in  making  him  a  swimming- 
dress.  I  advised  her  to  construct  it  like  a  double  sack,  with  open- 
ings for  the  head,  arms,  and  feet.  The  material  was  to  be  soaked 
in  a  solution  of  India-rubber,  the  double  portions,  or  rather  the 
outside  and  the  lining,  being  closely  sewn  together  round  the 
edge,  with  only  a  little  opening,  through  which  the  space  between 

[484] 


ROBINSON 

could  be  inflated  with  air  like  a  balloon.  The  material  having 
been  made  air-tight,  and  the  opening  firmly  stopped  up  with  cork, 
the  air  would  cause  the  dress  to  float,  and  support  any  one  on  the 
water  who  wore  it. 

While  this  work  was  in  progress,  I  still  had  time  to  examine  the 
fields  and  meadows,  and  also  to  set  the  animals  at  liberty  to  enjoy 
the  sweet  fresh  grass  and  their  freedom.  Again,  with  delight,  I 
observed  the  rapid  vegetation  which  the  heavy  rains  had  pro- 
duced. The  corn-field  was  flourishing,  the  scattered  seeds  had 
germinated  in  the  rich  soil.  The  pigeons  were  exercising  their 
wings  in  the  free  air,  and  the  creeping  plants  had  already  begun 
to  entsvine  themselves  round  the  bamboo  supports  of  our  veranda 
nearly  to  the  top. 

At  length  one  fine  morning  it  was  settled  that  Fritz  should  attire 
himself  in  his  swimming-dress,  which  he  had  purposely  inflated 
with  air  to  prove  it.  When  he  appeared  he  was  welcomed  with 
shouts  of  laughter.  The  bathing-dress  stuck  out  before  and  be- 
hind in  a  most  ri- 
diculous manner, 
and  made  him  look 
like  a  hunchback. 

With  the  great- 
est  gravity  he 
marched  forward 
without  seeming  to 
notice  the  laugh- 
ter, entered  the 
water,  and  pad- 
dled like  a  duck 
across  the  creek 
to    the    shore     of 

Shark's  Island,  and  then,  with  a  shout  of  triumph,  turned  and 
swam  back  to  us. 

We  all  hastened  on  board  the  yacht,  and  rowed  lustily  to  meet 

[485] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

our  brave  young  water-stepper  and  congratulate  him  on  his  suc- 
cess; but  his  naughty  brothers  could  only  dance  round  him  and 
laugh  without  control. 

The  success  of  this  first  attempt  caused  us  all  great  satisfaction, 
and,  in  spite  of  their  laughter,  the  three  younger  boys  entreated 
their  mother  to  make  for  each  of  them  a  swimming-dress  of  the 
same  description. 

While  we  were  on  Shark's  Island  we  sought  for  the  young  ante- 
lopes, and  attracted  them  to  approach  us  by  throwing  handfuls 
of  bruised  maize,  acorns,  and  salt,  of  which  all  animals  are  ex- 
ceedingly fond,  hoping  by  this  to  make  them  tame  and  glad  to 
see  us.  We  noticed  here  and  there  footprints  and  other  signs 
that  these  little  animals  had  found  out  the  shelter  we  had  erected 
for  them,  and  had  evidently  made  their  beds  of  the  leaves  and 
rushes.  They  seemed  quite  at  home,  so  we  left  them  without  the 
least  anxiety. 

We  strolled  across  the  whole  island  to  seek  for  additions  to  our 
museum,  and  the  boys  found  many  beautiful  shells  as  well  as 
pieces  of  delicately  formed  coral.  On  the  shore  also  was  dis- 
covered a  large  quantity  of  seaweed  of  various  colors.  The  ob- 
servant mother  gathered,  with  the  ready  assistance  of  the  boys,  a 
tolerable  boat-load,  and  on  our  return  to  Deliverance  Bay  I  ob- 
served that  she  separated  from  it  a  number  of  peculiar  leaves, 
notched  at  the  edges  like  a  saw,  and  measuring  about  six  or  seven 
inches  in  length. 

These  she  carefully  washed  and  spread  in  the  sun  to  dry. 
They  were  afterward  more  completely  freed  from  moisture  in  the 
drying  oven,  and  then  laid  away  among  our  other  stores. 

I  noticed  all  this  care  of  apparently  useless  leaves  with  wonder 
and  interest,  and  at  last  I  said,  jestingly: 

"Are  these  leaves  to  form  a  valuable  substitute  for  the  tobacco-    • 
smoke  w^hich  you  admired  so  much  on  board  ship  ?"  f 

She  laughed  at  the  joke,  for  I  knew  how  greatly  she  disliked 
tobacco,  but  she  answered  me  in  the  same  jocular  tone: 

[486] 


ROBINSON 

"Perhaps  if  we  were  to  fill  our  mattresses  with  them,  it  would 
make  us  sleep  cooler  in  the  very  hot  weather." 

But  I  knew,  by  the  sly  look  in  her  eyes,  that  she  had  no  such 
intention,  and  my  curiosity  became  greater  than  ever.  This  curi- 
osity was  very  soon  pleasantly  gratified. 

I  returned  to  Rock  House  one  hot  day  with  the  boys  after  a 
fatiguing  expedition  to  Falcon's  Nest,  and  almost  as  soon  as  we 
had  thrown  ourselves  on  the  benches  in  the  veranda,  my  wife 
brought  out  to  us  a  calabash-shell  full  of  the  most  beautiful  trans- 
parent jelly  I  had  ever  seen,  and  quite  as  tempting  to  the  appetite 
as  the  most  hungry  or  thirsty  person  could  wish  for.  When  cut 
with  a  spoon  and  a  portion  laid  on  plates  for  us,  it  quivered  and 
sent  forth  golden  sparkles  that  glittered  in  the  light. 

We  all  tasted  it  in  wondering  content,  for  it  was  not  only  agree- 
able, but  refreshing  and  cool,  and  we  all  truly  enjoyed  the  unex- 
pected treat. 

*'Ah,  dear  husband,"  said  the  mother,  laughing,  "this  is  an 
effort  of  genius  by  your  chief  cook.  This  jelly  is  made  from  the 
leaves  of  the  seaweed  which  you  treated  with  such  disdain.  I  am 
glad  you  approve  of  it." 

"Indeed  we  all  do,"  I  replied.  "But  how  on  earth  did  such 
an  idea  enter  your  head  .?     Where  have  you  seen  this  costly  dish  ?" 

"I  met  with  it  at  Cape  Town,"  she  replied,  "while  staying  with 
my  Dutch  friends;  I  have  seen  it  made  there  often,  and  these 
leaves  which  we  found  at  Shark's  Island  are  exactly  similar. 
They  are  cleansed  by  lying  in  water,  fresh  every  day,  for  a  week, 
and  are  afterwards  boiled  for  a  few  hours  with  orange-juice, 
citron,  and  sugar;  but  not  having  citron,  I  used  honey  and  cinna- 
mon, and  I  think  my  jelly  is  equally  agreeable." 

After  this  we  all  thanked  the  mother  for  her  clever  confec- 
tionery, and  the  boys  declared  they  would  at  once  go  back  to 
Shark's  Island  and  collect  as  many  of  these  wonderful  leaves  as 
they  could  find. 

I  was  quite  readv  to  return  with  them,  to  inspect  more  carefully 

[487] 


TSS  SWISS  FAMILY 

the  growth  of  the  trees  and  shrubs  we  had  planted  there  the 
previous  year.  All  were  in  good  condition;  indeed,  I  was  sur- 
prised to  find  how  rapidly  the  mangroves  and  cocoanut-palms 
had  grown.  Even  the  small  nuts  which  I  had  thrown  by  chance 
among  the  clefts  of  the  rocks  had  germinated,  and  promised  fair 
to  clothe  the  nakedness  of  the  frowning  rocks  with  their  laughing 
verdure. 

We  made  also  a  discovery  which  gave  us  great  pleasure. 

In  a  spot  almost  inaccessible  we  came  upon  a  clear  and  plenti- 
ful spring  of  pure  running  water,  which  the  antelopes  must  have 
found  out,  for  the  traces  of  their  footsteps  were  easily  distinguished 
near  it. 

After  finding  the  plants  on  Shark's  Island  in  such  a  flourish- 
ing condition,  we  were  naturally  anxious  to  satisfy  our  hopes 
that  Whale  Island  was  also  progressing  favorably.  We  there- 
fore re- embarked  in  the  yacht,  and  steered  toward  that  ter- 
ritory as  quickly  as  possible.  A  visit  to  the  rabbits  was  also 
necessary. 

At  a  short  distance  inland  from  the  shore  we  met  with  large 
quantities  of  marine  plants,  which  were  a  welcome  sight,  for  I 
hoped  they  would  be  acceptable  to  our  new  colony  of  rabbits. 
But  on  arriving  at  the  island,  although  we  saw  nothing  of  them, 
their  mischievous  performances  soon  became  too  evident.  The 
dainty  animals  had  gnawed  the  bark  of  the  young  trees,  as  the 
hares  do  in  winter,  and  entirely  eaten  up  the  palm-tree  shoots 
which  I  had  planted.  The  cocoanut-stems  they  had  spared,  no 
doubt  on  account  of  the  resinous  taste  and  the  toughness. 

To  prevent  the  depredations  of  these  impertinent  animals  in 
future,  I  and  the  boys  erected  around  the  stems  of  the  young 
trees  hedges  of  prickly  thorns.  While  thus  employed,  I  noticed 
that  some  of  the  marine  plants  had  been  partly  eaten  by  the  little 
depredators.  I  tasted  one  of  the  leaves,  but  the  flavor  was  most 
unpleasant,  and  the  smell  had  something  of  the  odor  of  marsh 
rushes;  yet  other  leaves  of  a  very  similar  appearance  had  a  taste 

[488] 


ROBINSON 

of  sugar,  and  I  believed  them  to  belong  to  a  plant  called  sweet 
seaweed. 

I  collected  some,  however,  to  carry  with  us,  that  it  might  be 
washed  and  more  carefully  examined  at  home. 

We  left  for  our  little  colony  a  plentiful  supply  of  food,  and 
before  leaving  the  island  proceeded  to  the  spot  on  which  we  had 
discovered  the  stranded  whale. 

The  skeleton  still  remained  almost  perfect.  The  birds  had  re- 
moved all  signs  of  the  flesh,  and  the  sun  and  wind  had  bleached 
and  purified  the  bones  to  a  delicate  whiteness.  We  carried  away 
ten  or  twelve  joints  of  the  vertebrae,  which  I  thought  might  be 
made  useful.  A  strong  cord  was  passed  through  them,  and  on 
stepping  into  our  boat  I  fastened  the  end  of  the  string  to  the 
stern,  and  towed  them  across  the  creek  toward  Rock  Castle. 

I  had  for  a  long  time  proposed  to  make  a  kind  of  mill  for 
crushing  wheat  or  corn,  and  it  appeared  to  me  that  the  joints  of 
the  vertebrae  we  had  brought  from  the  skeleton  of  the  whale  were 
large  and  strong  enough  for  that  purpose.  To  make  a  stamping 
or  crushing  machine  of  stone  or  hard  wood  was  beyond  my  power. 
Blocks  of  wood,  however,  were  necessary  to  raise  the  crushers, 
and  to  these  the  joints  of  the  whale  would  require  to  be  fastened 
firmly. 

For  this  purpose  I  needed  the  wood  of  a  tree  with  a  straight 
trunk  of  a  certain  thickness,  and  also  a  fresh  supply  of  clay  to  add 
to  my  store  of  porcelain.  The  boys,  as  I  supposed,  were  rat- 
hunting;  but  on  entering  the  house  one  morning  to  prepare  for 
an  excursion,  I  found  Ernest  quietly  reading  his  cherished  books, 
and  not  at  all  interested  in  the  hunting  exploits  of  his  brothers. 

I  would  not  disturb  the  boy,  but  went  out  at  once  to  harness 
Storm  to  the  wheeled  sledge,  for  Jack  had  almost  given  up  the 
buffalo  to  ride  his  fleet  courser  Whirlwind,  and,  accompanied  by 
Floss  and  Brownie,  I  took  the  road  to  the  t'brest  near  the  Jackal 
River  alone. 

After  crossing  the  bridge,  I  passed  the  potato  and  cassava  field, 

[489] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

and  observed,  to  my  great  annoyance,  that  it  had  been  overrun 
and  ahiiost  laid  waste  by  some  animals,  whose  footmarks,  which 
resembled  those  of  a  pig,  appeared  in  every  part.  I  felt  very 
angry  with  these  freebooters,  and  followed  the  track  by  the  rocks, 
which  led  me  through  a  grove  as  far  as  our  old  potato-field,  but 
without  catching  sight  of  even  one  of  them. 

I  began  to  despair  of  being  able  to  discover  what  animal  it 
could  be  that  had  caused  such  destruction,  when  the  dogs  com- 
menced growling  and  barking  furiously  at  a  little  distance.  I 
hastened  to  the  spot,  and  came  suddenly  face  to  face  with  our  old 
sow  and  a  half-wild  litter  of  eight  little  pigs,  which  appeared 
about  two  months  old.  A  young  boar,  one  of  the  former  brood, 
now  fully  grown,  was  one  of  the  party. 

They  grunted  and  showed  their  teeth,  and  altogether  appeared   | 
so  wild,  that  the  dogs  kept  at  a  respectful  distance;   but  my  anger 
at  the  destruction  of  our  fields  overcame  me,  and,  raising  my 
gun,  I  fired  twice  among  them. 

Three  of  the  little  pigs  fell,  and  the  rest  fled,  grunting  and 


'■~,'-'^y^ 


■^'#^C 


■>?~^- 


'^4    ■■'  ^■■-   ■'■'''^■'•^■^<-fi^L 


snorting,  and  disappeared  among  the  bushes.     I  called  the  dogs, 
who  were  rushing  after  them,   and,  picking  up   the  dead  pigs, 

[490] 


I 


ROBINSON 

carried  them  to  the  sledge  and  continued  my  way  to  the 
forest. 

I  very  soon  found  a  tree  with  a  beautiful  upright  stem,  of  about 
two  feet  in  thickness,  and  quite  suitable  for  my  purpose.  This  I 
marked,  to  distinguish  it  from  the  rest;  and  after  loading  my 
sledge  with  clay  from  the  loam-pit  close  by,  I  turned  my  steps 
homeward. 

I  reached  the  house  long  before  the  boys  returned,  although  I 
had  also  missed  the  dinner-hour.  However,  I  asked  the  mother 
to  roast  one  of  our  litde  pigs  for  supper,  if  I  with  the  help  of 
Ernest  could  prepare  it  for  cooking  in  time. 

Late  in  the  evening,  just  as  we  were  beginning  to  grow  anxious. 
Jack  arrived  on  his  fleet  steed,  the  others  following  in  the  distance 
on  Lightfoot  and  Grumbler,  the  latter  laden  with  the  booty  in 
two  sacks. 

These  sacks  were  quickly  brought  in  and  the  contents  pro- 
duced: four  wild  birds,  twenty  ondatras,  a  kangaroo,  a  monkey, 
two  animals  of  the  hare  species,  and  half  a  dozen  beaver-rats, 
which  greatly  resemble  the  ondatra  or  muskrat.  The  creatures 
like  hares  appeared  to  me  to  be  the  animals  spoken  of  by  Buffon 
as  having  black  breasts  and  long  tails,  and  named  by  that  natural- 
ist a  tolay. 

While  examining  this  assemblage  of  animals,  no  one  noticed 
the  large  bundle  of  thistles  carried  by  Fritz,  and  presently  Jack 
exclaimed : 

"Oh,  papa,  what  a  capital  fellow  my  ostrich  is!  He  flew  like 
the  wind;  and  many  times  I  lost  my  breath,  and  could  hardly  see 
where  I  was  going.  You  must  make  me  a  mask  with  glass  eyes, 
that  I  may  be  able  to  see  when  he  rushes  on  at  such  a  frightful 
pace. 

"No,"  I  replied;  "no,  my  impetuous  boy.  I  must  do  no  such 
thing." 

"  Why,  papa,  why  must  you  not  ?" 

"  In  the  first  place,  because  it  is  much  more  becoming  to  peti- 

[491] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

tion  your  elders  to  comply  with  your  wishes  than  to  say  it  inust 
be  done;  and  secondly,  it  is  advisable  for  young  people  to  do  as 
much  as  they  can  for  themselves,  and  not  to  be  dependent  on 
others  for  all  they  want." 

As  Jack  remained  silent,  Fritz  said: 

"We  have  had  good  sport  to-day,  papa,  and  enjoyed  ourselves 
tremendously,  and  brought  home  a  splendid  booty;  animals, 
birds,  and  roots,  and  a  famous  supply  of  skins  and  furs;  still,  I 
should  like  a  glass  of  muscatel  wine  from  the  Rock  House  stores 
if  the  price  is  not  too  high." 

"Well  done,  Fritz!"  I  exclaimed;  "a  glass  of  wine  you  shall 
have,  for  you  really  deserve  it  after  such  a  successful  day.  Yet  I 
wish  you  had  not  started  on  such  an  expedition  without  speaking 
of  it.  And  you  should  now  attend  to  the  animals  first,  as  brave 
riders  always  do  before  they  take  care  of  themselves." 

Away  ran  the  boys  at  this  hint;  and  when  the  useful  creatures 
had  all  been  stalled  and  fed,  the  mother  informed  the  boys  of  the 
agreeable  dish  she  was  preparing  for  their  supper:  roast  pig,  fresh 
young  salad,  and  a  basin  of  jelly.  The  boys  watched  her  with  a 
mixture  of  droll  curiosity  and  satisfaction  as  she  brought  out  one 
dish  after  another,  and  expressed  their  feelings  in  noisy  "bravoes" 
as  she  at  last  placed  on  the  table  a  dainty  cassava  pudding,  mixed 
with  sugar,  syrup,  and  baked  in  butter,  and  near  it  a  flask  of 
mead.  The  whole  supply  was  so  tempting,  that  as  we  seated 
ourselves  I  said  it  was  a  feast  worthy  of  the  gods  of  Homer  in 
company  with  Olympian  Jove. 

During  supper  Fritz  gave  us  a  description  of  their  expedition. 
They  had  spent  nearly  the  whole  day  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Wood  Grange,  attracting  the  ondatras  to  the  traps  with  red  car- 
rots, and  the  beaver-rats  by  little  fish  or  earth-worms.  They  had 
distinguished  the  muskrats  by  the  smell,  and  the  animals  with 
noses  like  beaks  they  had  caught  in  traps.  Part  of  the  time  they 
spent  in  fishing,  and  some  of  the  fish  they  caught  was  cooked  on 
a  fire-hearth  of  stones  for  their  dinner. 

[492] 


ROBINSON 

"And  what  are  all  those  thistles  intended  for,  Fritz?"  I  asked. 

"I  found  them  in  my  wanderings,"  he  replied;  "and  the  thorns 
are  formed  like  hooks,  so  I  thought  the  plant  might  be  useful  for 
carding  wool,  or  separating  the  hairs  of  the  animal  fur.'*^ 

This  discovery  pleased  me  greatly;  not  only  would  it  be  useful 
for  the  purpose  named  by  Fritz,  but  also  in  many  other  ways. 

He  had  also  brought  a  small  cinnamon-tree  to  be  planted  in 
the  vegetable  garden,  and  this  was  welcomed  by  his  mother  with 
great  satisfaction. 

We  decided  to  defer  all  preparation  of  the  booty  till  the  follow- 
ing morning,  and,  as  usual,  after  our  evening  devotions,  we  re- 
tired to  rest,  tired  out  with  the  day's  exertions. 

*  No  doubt  this  was  the  plant  called  the  teazle,  used  in  the  manufacture  of 
wool.  The  hooked  scales  or  thorns  of  the  leaves  raise  the  nap  on  cloth.  No 
machine  can  be  made  to  produce  the  same  effect  so  readily. 


TiiE  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XXXIV 

THE    CRUSHING   MACHINE — A    PLENTIFUL    HARVEST 

HE  removal  of  the  skin  from  the  animals  killed  in 
hunting  was  always  a  troublesome  undertaking,  es- 
pecially to  the  boys,  and  I  at  length  thought  of  a 
plan  which  appeared  likely  to  render  the  task  easier, 
if  I  could  carry  it  out. 

I  searched,  therefore,  among  our  ship  stores,  and  in  the  sur- 
geon's chest  found  a  large  syringe  which,  with  a  few  alterations, 
would,  I  imagined,  serve  my  purpose  admirably.  I  first  per- 
forated the  stopper,  and  placed  in  the  piston  an  opening,  in  which 
I  fixed  two  corks  as  pegs,  and  at  once  had  in  my  possession  a  ma- 
chine for  compressing  air,  almost  like  an  air-pump. 

As  the  boys  assembled  to  assist  me  in  the  unpleasant  work  of 
skinning  the  animals,  I  marched  up  to  them  with  my  surgical 
instrument  under  my  arm,  and  gave  them  a  military  salute;  upon 
which  they  shouted  with  laughter,  and  exclaimed: 

**  Papa  has  a  syringe!  What  can  it  be  for  ?  A  chemist's  shop, 
or  a  butcher's  chopping-bench  ?" 

I  passed  over  the  laughter  and  the  remarks,  and  silently  lifting 
the  kangaroo  from  the  ground,  I  hung  it  by  its  hind  legs  to  a  tree, 
and  cut  a  small  opening  in  the  skin,  just  below  the  breast.  Into 
this  opening  I  inserted  the  mouth  of  the  syringe,  and  filled  the 
cylinder  with  air  by  blowing  into  it  with  all  my  strength.  I  then 
drew  the  piston  up  and  down,  pumping  the  air  between  the  skin 
and  the  flesh  of  the  animal. 

Presently  the  skin  puff^ed  out  in  every  part,  altering  the  shape 
of  the  animal  in  the  most  amusing  manner,  and  I  quickly  found 

[494] 


ROBINSON 

that  almost  the  entire  skin  was  separated  from  the  flesh,  only 
adhering  at  a  few  spots  of  not  the  least  importance.  These  I 
separated  with  my  knife,  and  removed  the  whole  from  the  animal, 
the  performance  of  skinning  it  having  occupied  less  than  half  the 
usual  time. 

*'Oh,  papa,  what  a  capital  invention!"  exclaimed  the  boys. 

"Papa  must  be  a  conjurer,"  cried  Jack;  "but  I  can't  under- 
stand how  it  is  done." 

"Very  simply,"  I  replied;  "between  the  skin  and  the  flesh  of 
all  animals  there  exist  thousands  of  little  bladders  or  cells,  formed 
of  a  fatty  substance.  If  these  cells  are  filled  with  air  they  burst, 
and  the  skin,  having  nothing  to  adhere  to,  separates  from  the 
flesh,  and  is  easily  removed.  This  knowledge  is  not  new:  the 
Greenlanders  have  been  acquainted  with  it  for  years.  When  they 
have  killed  a  seal  or  sea-horse,  they  blow  between  the  skin  and 
flesh,  which  causes  the  creature  to  swim  more  lightly  as  they  tow 
it  to  shore;  and  the  skin  can  be  removed  immediately  with  the 
greatest  ease." 

By  the  contrivance  with  the  syringe,  the  trouble  in  the  work  of 
skinning  the  animals,  after  this  time,  was  greatly  lightened,  and 
we  finished  in  two  days  what  would  otherwise  have  occupied  a 
week. 

This  done,  I  determined  on  the  following  day  to  visit  the  forest, 
and  cut  down,  with  the  help  of  the  boys,  the  tree  I  had  marked  as 
suitable  to  make  blocks  for  the  crushing-mill.  We  started  early 
with  a  cart-load  of  ropes,  saws,  axes,  and  other  useful  tools. 

On  our  way,  I  pointed  out  to  the  boys  the  place  where  I  had 
killed  the  three  little  pigs,  and  the  dreadful  havoc  made  by  the 
old  sow  and  her  family.  They  readily  promised  to  help  me  in 
repairing  the  damage,  and  in  surrounding  the  potato-fields  with 
a  hedge  of  thorns. 

Arrived  at  the  tree,  I  desired  Fritz  and  Jack  to  climb  to  the  top, 
and  saw  off  the  highest  and  largest  branches,  so  that  in  falling 
the  tree  might  not  crush  its  neighbors.     To  the  upper  part  of  the 

[495] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

tree  they  then  tied  ropes,  that  we  might  at  a  safe  distance  guide 
it,  in  its  fall,  to  the  most  convenient  spot. 

Fritz  and  I  commenced  cutting  the  stem  at  the  side  opposite  the 
cords  with  a  perpendicular  saw,  used  by  sawyers  over  a  sawpit, 
one  above  and  the  other  below.  I  however  showed  Fritz  how  to 
use  it  with  me  horizontally.  It  was  hard  work,  and  occupied  a 
long  time;  but  when  we  had  nearly  cut  it  through,  we  all  placed 
ourselves  at  the  ropes,  and  by  pulling  with  our  united  strength, 
we  heard  the  trunk  crack,  saw  it  totter,  and  at  last  fall  slowly  to 
the  ground  in  an  open  space,  without  accident  to  ourselves  or 
injury  to  the  other  trees.  The  branches  and  shoots  were  then 
lopped  off,  and  part  of  the  trunk  sawed  into  blocks  four  feet  long. 
Smaller  blocks  for  other  purposes  were  cut  from  the  larger 
branches,  and  the  remainder,  with  the  young  shoots,  we  left  to 
dry  in  the  sun  for  firewood. 

This  work  occupied  us  two  days,  and  on  the  third  day  I  carried 
home  four  large  and  two  small  blocks,  and  was  at  length  able, 
with  these  and  the  vertebrae  joints  of  the  whale,  to  complete  my 
crushing  machine  in  a  very  short  time.  My  wife  tried  it  first  with 
some  grains  of  rice;  but  turning  the  small  iron  wheel,  which  made 
the  blocks  move  up  and  down,  something  like  a  sledge-hammer, 
was  heavy  and  tedious  work.  The  bones  of  the  whale,  however, 
which  were  fixed  in  the  upper  and  lower  blocks  being  so  hard  and 
firm,  the  rice  was  crushed  to  powder  in  a  few  minutes  and  ren- 
dered useful  for  cooking  in  many  ways  that  were  impossible  while 
it  remained  whole. 

While  engaged  in  this  undertaking,  I  had  almost  forgotten  the 
field  in  which  had  been  sown  wheat,  barley,  and  maize  before  the 
rainy  season.  One  evening,  however,  we  noticed  that  our  do- 
mestic fowls  returned  home  with  their  crops  full  and  apparently 
satisfied  after  an  unusual  feast. 

Suddenly  it  struck  me  that  these  turkeys  and  fowls  had  come 
from  the  direction  of  the  wheat-field,  and  upon  going  to  examine 
the  damage  done,  I  was  astonished  to  find  the  corn  quite  high, 

[4961 


ROBINSON 

and  the  grain  fully  ripe,  although  little  more  than  four  months  had 
elapsed  since  it  had  been  sown.  I  knew,  therefore,  that  in  the 
future  we  should  be  able  to  obtain  two  crops  a  year. 

Pleasant  as  the  fact  appeared,  yet  at  this  moment  it  troubled 
us,  for  it  would  be  necessary  at  once  to  cut  and  gather  in  the 
harsest,  while  we  were  in  daily  expectation  of  the  arrival  of  a 
shoal  of  herrings,  and  probably  a  visit  from  the  dog-fish. 

My  wife  became  very  anxious  over  this  accumulation  of  work, 
for  the  potato  and  cassava-roots  wanted  digging  up,  and  she 
feared  it  would  be  impossible  to  accomplish  so  much  in  a  short 
time. 

"  I  trust  it  may  be  managed,  dear  wife,"  I  said.  "  In  the  first 
place,  the  herrings  have  not  yet  arrived,  and  you  forget  that  the 
potatoes  are  much  more  easily  dug  up  in  this  light  earth  than  from 
heavy  stony  soil.  Besides  there  will  be  no  necessity  to  prepare 
the  field  again,  for  the  little  shoots  will  grow  and  ripen  without 
any  further  care.  As  to  the  corn,"  I  added,  "  I  have  decided  to 
reap  it  and  thresh  it  after  the  Italian  method,  which  is  performed 
in  much  less  time,  and  even  if  we  meet  with  any  other  losses, 
they  will  be  more  than  compensated  for  by  the  prospect  of  such 
a  supply  of  provisions  and  two  crops  of  corn  in  a  year." 

I  prepared  for  gathering  in  the  harvest  by  clearing  a  large 
space  in  front  of  the  veranda  for  a  threshing-floor.  The  ground, 
being  composed  of  sandy  soil,  had  become  hardened  by  the  heat 
of  the  sun  and  appeared  most  suitable  for  the  purpose.  By  fre- 
quently pouring  water  upon  the  surface,  which  the  sun  dried  up 
quickly,  and  beating  it  with  sticks  and  spades,  and  even  our  oars, 
and  then  leading  the  animals  across  to  tread  it  down,  the  earth 
became  as  hard  and  smooth  as  a  threshing-floor.  This  com- 
pleted, we  repaired  early  one  morning  to  the  corn-field  with  our 
sickles,  followed  by  Storm  and  Grumbler,  carrying  large  baskets 
or  panniers  on  their  backs  to  receive  the  grain. 

The  boys  were  rather  surprised  when  I  explained  to  them  the 
Italian  method  of  reaping,  which  I  wished  them   to  adopt,  as  it 

[497] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

occupied  less  time.  I  told  them  to  take  as  many  ears  as  they 
could  hold  in  the  left  hand,  cut  them  from  the  straw  as  far  down 
as  could  be  reached  with  the  right  hand,  and  throw  them  into  the 
baskets  carried  by  the  animals,  who  followed  the  reapers  closely, 
led  by  Jack  or  Ernest. 

In  a  few  moments  they  caught  the  idea,  and  went  rapidly  to 
the  work,  following  in  my  lead.  I  believe  we  all,  especially  Fritz 
and  myself,  who  were  the  tallest  of  the  party,  felt  the  comfort  of 


not  having  to  stoop  at  our  work.  Our  baskets  were  refilled  and 
emptied  many  times  during  the  day,  and  by  evening  the  field  was 
reaped,  and  we  had  gathered  a  large  store  of  corn  in  the  ear. 

My  wife,  however,  seemed  to  consider  that  it  was  anything  but 
economy  to  leave  behind  all  the  short  ears  of  corn,  which  could 
not  be  reached  by  the  sickle,  as  well  as  the  straw,  which  would 
be  so  useful  for  the  stables  and  stalls. 

"It  is  made  economical  by  the  Italians,  who  are  famous 
farmers,"  I  replied;  "for  by  cutting  the  corn  in  this  way  they  also 
obtain  food  for  their  cattle.  In  a  few  weeks  grass  grows  to  a 
good  height  among  the  stubble,  and  then  they  mow  it  down  all 
together  close  to  the  ground.     The  short  ears  of  corn    remain 

[498] 


ROBINSON 

among  the  blades  of  grass,  and  the  whole  is  turned  over  in  the 
sun  as  we  make  hay,  and  during  winter  forms  a  very  useful  sub- 
stitute for  grass  and  corn  in  the  Italian  stables.  We  must,  how- 
ever, adopt  the  ancient  method  of  treading  out  the  corn  and 
threshing  it,  for  we  have  no  other  means  of  separating  it  from  the 
husk." 

Threshing  was  commenced  next  morning  by  spreading  the 
bundles  of  corn  on  the  new  threshing-floor,  and  the  four  boys, 
each  mounted  on  his  usual  steed,  rode  the  animals  across  it  in 
every  direction,  and  while  the  heavy  stamping  of  the  hoofs  sepa- 
rated the  grain  from  the  husks,  the  dust  and  chaffs  flew  in  clouds 
around  us. 

Now  and  then  the  boys  allowed  the  animals  to  pause  and  rest, 
and  the  temptation  to  take  a  mouthful  of  the  corn  that  lay  at  their 
feet  was  too  strong  to  be  resisted.  My  wife  smiled  as  she  ob- 
served this,  and  said: 

"They  deserve  a  handful  now  and  then  for  their  exertions,  but 
it  will  lessen  our  store,  dear  husband." 

"Our  threshing  is  nearly  completed,"  I  replied,  "and  they  have 
not  eaten  much;  besides,  it  is  said  in  Scripture,  'Thou  shalt  not 
muzzle  the  ox  that  treadeth  out  the  corn.'" 

While  we  were  gathering  up  the  corn  and  sifting  it,  our  feathered 
folk — cackling,  gobbling,  and  quacking — came  to  the  threshing- 
floor  to  have  their  share.  The  boys  were  about  to  drive  them 
away,  for  they  picked  at  the  loose  grain  in  the  most  hasty  manner, 
but  I  prevented  them,  saying: 

"  Let  our  pensioners  have  their  share  of  the  superfluity.  What 
we  lose  in  grain  will  be  returned  to  us  in  the  improved  condition 
of  our  poultry  when  we  require  them  for  our  table." 

After  all  we  had  no  cause  to  complain,  for  when  I  had  measured 
the  produce  of  our  harvest,  I  found  that  we  had  nearly  a  hundred 
bushels  of  corn,  including  wheat,  maize,  and  barley,  to  add  to  our 

store. 

It  was  necessary,  however,  if  we  wished  to  have  a  second  harvest 

[499] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

this  year,  to  prepare  the  field  and  again  sow  the  seed  as  quickly 
as  possible.  The  stubble  was,  therefore,  mowed  down,  and,  with 
the  maize-stems,  stowed  away  for  fire-wood.  While  employed  in 
separating  the  short  stalks  containing  ears  of  corn  from  the  straw, 
we  were  surprised  by  the  arrival  with  rushing  wings  of  a  number 
of  quails  and  a  large  flock  of  partridges  into  the  field.  It  was 
impossible  to  secure  more  than  one  quail,  which  was  knocked  on 
the  wing  by  Fritz,  for  at  eveiy  corner  stood-  sentinel  quails  to  give 
the  alarm.  I  determined,  however,  that  at  our  next  corn  harvest 
a  harvest  of  quails  should  follow.  The  stubble  and  maize-leaves 
were  stowed  away  as  food  for  our  cattle,  with  some  of  the  straw. 
The  best  we  kept  for  stuffing  paillasses.  Some  of  the  burned 
stems  deposited  ashes,  which  I  discovered  contained  soda  or 
kali,  and  therefore  could  be  made  very  useful. 

I  decided  also  to  make  a  change  in  the  corn-field  for  the  next 
harvest,  and  sow  this  time  rye  and  oats.  This  plan  is  said  by 
farmers  to  improve  the  soil  and  render  it  more  productive. 

We  had  scarcely  finished  all  this  work  when  the  shoal  of 
herrings  arrived;  but  we  only  stored  two  barrels  this  time,  after 
they  were  salted  and  smoked.  I  was  more  anxious  for  the  ar- 
rival of  the  dog-fish,  as  I  required  skins  to  finish  more  com- 
pletely the  canoe.  I  wished  also  to  make  the  deck  water-tight, 
and  to  form  a  kind  of  reservoir  for  water  beneath  it,  in  the 
stern  of  the  boat,  as  well  as  a  place  to  carry  arms  and  provisions 
near  the  prow. 

When  this  was  completed,  I  prepared  two  harpoons,  to  be  sup- 
ported on  the  water  by  bladders  filled  with  air,  and  fastened  to  the 
boat  with  straps. 

Fritz  now  equipped  himself  for  his  first  canoe  voyage  in  his 
swimming-dress,  and  before  springing  on  board,  he  inflated  it  till 
he  looked  like  a  gigantic  frog;  then  he  stepped  into  the  opening  in 
the  deck  of  the  canoe  left  for  the  paddler,  took  up  his  paddle,  and 
prepared  to  start. 

His  brothers  greeted  his   comical  appearance,  as  before,  with 

[500] 


ROBINSON 

shouts  of  laughter,  and  even  his  mother  could  not  help  joining 
them,  although  she  felt  anxious  for  the  boy's  safety. 

To  please  and  comfort  her  I  prepared  the  yacht,  that  his  mother 
might  follow  him  with  me  and  the  boys.  I  wished  also  to  be  at 
hand  to  render  him  assistance  in  case  of  danger.  But  the  canoe 
was  tossing  on  the  waves  long  before  we  could  embark,  amid  the 
the  loud  hurrahs  of  the  paddler.  To  show  us  his  power  over  the 
management  of  the  canoe,  he  began  to  perform  all  sorts  of  tricks, 
to  his  mother's  great  alarm.  First  he  paddled  on  ahead  for  a  con- 
siderable distance;  he  then  caused  the  canoe  to  rock  fearfully; 
and  at  last,  to  show  that  it  was  too  buoyant  to  sink  under  water, 
completely  capsized  it. 

As  it  righted  itself,  the  shouts  of  delight  uttered  by  his  brothers 
so  elated  Fritz,  that  he  at  once  paddled  his  canoe  toward  the  en- 
trance of  the  Jackal  River,  with  such  swiftness,  that  the  current 
carried  him  out  to  sea  before  he  was  aware  of  it. 

This  daring  act  alarmed  me,  and  leaving  the  mother  and  little 
Frank  on  the  shore,  I  stepped  into  the  boat  with  Jack  and  Ernest, 
and  started  in  pursuit  of  the  thoughtless  voyager.  We  made  our 
way  toward  the  reef  of  rocks  on  which  the  ship  had  been  wrecked, 
as  I  felt  sure  that  was  the  direction  Fritz  had  taken. 

For  a  long  time  the  yacht  sailed  steadily  on,  but  no  signs  of  the 
canoe  could  be  discovered,  even  through  a  telescope.  At  last  I 
saw  in  the  distance  a  thin  wreath  of  smoke  curling  in  the  air, 
followed  in  a  few  moments  by  the  feeble  report  of  a  pistol. 

It  was  a  great  relief  to  me  to  hear  this  sound,  which  I  knew 
must  be  a  signal  from  Fritz,  and  after  firing  an  answering  signal, 
I  steered  hastily  and  gladly  toward  the  spot  from  which  the  sound 
came,  for  I  knew  we  could  reach  it  in  ten  minutes. 

In  less  than  that  time  we  caught  sight  of  our  sailor,  and  pres- 
ently joined  him,  amid  loud  acclamations  and  shouts  of  welcome. 
But  our  astonishment  was  great  at  observing  a  large,  yet  not  full- 
grown,  walrus  lying  dead  on  a  fragment  of  rock — which  our  young 
hero  of  the  sea  had  killed  with  a  harpoon — too  large  for  him  to 

[501] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

carry  home  on  his  canoe,  but  not  for  our  boat.  Before  question- 
ing him  about  this  animal,  however,  I  gave  our  young  Green- 
lander  a  gentle  reproof  for  going  so  far  out  to  sea,  and  causing 
his  mother  and  myself  great  anxiety. 

He  excused  himself  by  referring  to  the  strong  current  In  the 
jackal  River  or  creek,  which  he  had  been  unable  to  withstand. 
"And  then,"  continued  the  boy,  "I  came  upon  this  walrus,  which 
appeared  such  a  wonderful  booty,  that  I  could  not  bear  to  leave 
it  behind.  He  was  swimming  toward  the  canoe,  papa,  and  as 
I  wounded  him  with  one  of  the  harpoons,  he  rushed  to  that  crevice 
in  the  rocks,  carrying  the  harpoon  in  his  back,  and  dragging  the 
canoe  with  him;  so  that  I  was  obliged  to  make  an  end  of  him  at 
once  with  the  other  harpoon.  At  last  I  fired  two  shots  at  the 
animal,  that  he  might  not  serve  me  and  my  canoe  as  the  serpent 
served  poor  Jack." 

"Yours  was  a  daring  experiment,  Fritz,"  I  said;  "for  although 
the  walrus  is  in  general  a  timid  animal,  it  often  becomes  furious 
when  wounded,  and  will  turn  upon  its  enemies,  and  attack  and 
tear  with  its  long,  sharp  fangs  the  vessel  in  which  they  are  sailing, 
however  strong  it  may  be,  and  sometimes  render  it  a  complete 
wreck.  What  then  would  have  been  the  consequence  to  a  poor 
little  seal-skin-covered  canoe  like  yours  ?  I  thank  God  that  you 
are  safe,  my  son,  which  is  better  than  if  you  had  brought  home  a 
hundred  walruses;  and  even  now  I  scarcely  know  what  we  are  to 
do  with  this  captive.  It  must  be  at  least  fourteen  feet  long, 
although,  by  the  shortness  of  its  fangs,  I  believe  it  is  not  full 
grown." 

"Oh,  papa!"  cried  Fritz,  "if  it  is  too  heavy  to  be  carried  home 
in  your  boat,  I  should  at  least  like  to  keep  the  head  with  those 
two  white  teeth;  I  would  stick  it  on  the  fore  part  of  my  canoe, 
which  could  then  be  named  the  Walrus," 

"  I  should  be  very  unwilling  to  leave  those  beautiful  teeth  be- 
hind," I  replied.  "But  what  we  do  must  be  done  quickly,  for 
the  air  feels  heavy,  and  foretells  stormy  weather." 

[502] 


ROBINSON 


ROBINSON 

"Don't  have  the  head  cut  in  pieces,  papa,"  cried  Jack,  "it 
would  look  beautiful  on  the  canoe." 

"Ah,"  said  Ernest,  "and  in  a  little  while  it  would  decay,  and  not 
produce  a  very  pleasant  odor  for  the  Greenlander  in  his  canoe." 

"No,"  said  Fritz,  "it  must  be  taken  home  first,  and  cleaned, 
purified,  and  dried,  till  it  becomes  as  hard  as  wood,  like  one  I 
have  seen  at  the  museum  at  home  in  our  native  town." 

"  Papa,"  asked  Ernest,  "  are  not  these  animals  natives  of 
Northern  regions  ?" 

"As  a  rule  they  are,"  I  replied;  "but  this  walrus  may  possibly 
belong  to  the  South  Polar  Seas,  which  are  equally  cold;  and  there 
is  a  smaller  species  at  the  Cape,  called  dugong." 

While  thus  talking,  we  had  dragged  the  head  of  the  animal 
from  the  rock  to  our  boat;  and  when  Fritz  had  removed  the  har- 
poons, I  with  some  difficulty  cut  off  the  head.  Fritz  remarked 
that  it  would  be  useful  to  have  a  hatchet  and  a  lance  as  well  as 
a  mariner's  compass  on  board,  in  case  the  rower  should  be  driven 
out  to  sea  in  a  storm,  to  enable  him  to  direct  his  course.  I  quite 
agreed  with  him,  and  promised  that  these  articles  should  be 
placed  on  board  on  the  following  day. 

After  finishing  my  business  with  the  walrus,  and  bringing  the 
head  safely  on  board  the  yacht,  I  wished  Fritz  to  join  us  and  take 
the  canoe  in  tow;  but  he  begged  me  to  allow  him  to  go  back 
alone,  and  relate  his  career  on  the  water  to  the  mother  himself. 
Without  delay  he  stood  out  to  sea,  while  we,  who  were  already 
beginning  to  feel  tired,  followed  him,  but  more  slowly. 

The  dark  clouds,  which  had  for  some  time  been  gathering  in  a 
threatening  aspect,  burst  upon  us  suddenly  in  a  frightful  storm 
of  wind  and  rain.  Fritz  was  already  so  far  in  advance  of  us,  that 
we  could  not  see  a  trace  of  the  boat,  especially  through  the  blind- 
ing rain,  and  to  make  him  hear  amid  the  roar  of  the  storm  would 
have  been  impossible.  We  fastened  on  hastily  the  cork  swim- 
ming-belts, and  lashed  ourselves  to  the  boat  by  leather  straps,  to 
prevent  being  washed  overboard  by  the  waves. 

[505] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

I  found  at  last  that  I  had  no  power  over  the  boat,  and,  in 
alternate  hope  and  fear,  commended  myself  and  my  children  to 
God.  I  concealed  my  alarm,  however,  and  tried  to  encourage 
hope  and  trust  in  my  two  boys,  who,  I  had  no  doubt  felt  safer 
than  I  did  in  the  midst  of  all,  because  they  had  me  for  a 
protector. 

Meanwhile  the  storm  raged  in  all  its  fury.  The  waves  rose  to 
the  height  of  mountains,  and  seemed  to  mingle  with  the  dark 
clouds  which  descended  to  meet  them.  Lightning  flashed  across 
the  darkness,  throwing  its  lurid  glare  on  the  crests  of  the  foaming 
waves.  One  after  another,  gusts  of  wind  threatened  to  capsize 
us,  while  the  foaming  waves  dashed  over  the  deck  of  our  little 
skiflF,  and  the  rain  fell  in  torrents. 

At  one  moment  we  were  riding  at  the  top  of  an  enormous  w^ave, 
and  the  next  descending  into  the  trough  of  the  sea,  as  into  a  deep 
gulf.  But  our  boat  held  on  her  way  splendidly,  the  skins  filled 
with  air  on  each  side  prevented  her  from  sinking  in  the  deep 
water,  and  even  amid  the  foaming  waves  I  could  from  time  to 
time  turn  her  course  in  the  right  direction  by  one  move  of  the 
rudder. 

In  all  this  danger,  and  with  strong  hopes  of  safety  if  our  boat 
could  hold  out  till  the  storm  ceased,  my  greatest  anxiety  arose 
from  my  ignorance  of  the  fate  of  Fritz.  Indeed,  I  gave  him  up 
for  lost,  and  could  only  offer  a  silent  prayer  to  God  that  He  would 
enable  me  to  submit  in  a  Christ-like  spirit  to  His  holy  will  if  my 
son  were  taken  from  me. 

In  these  climates  the  storms  cease  almost  as  suddenly  as  they 
begin,  and  although  the  waves  still  rolled  and  dashed  furiously 
over  us,  yet  when  the  rain  ceased  and  the  air  cleared,  I  found,  to 
my  great  joy,  that  we  had  been  driven  by  the  wind  toward  the 
entrance  to  Deliverance  Bay,  and  were  approaching  the  well- 
known  creek  between  the  rocks  and  Whale  Island. 

With  a  feeling  of  safety,  my  heart  rose  in  thankfulness  to  God 
for  His  protecting  care  of  myself  and  the  boys,  and  when  we  at 

[506] 


ROBINSON 

last  entered  the  bay,  another  cause  of  thankfuhiess  arose.  We 
saw  in  the  distance  the  mother,  with  little  Frank  and  Fritz,  kneel- 
ing on  the  strand,  no  doubt  offering  thanks  to  God  for  saving 
Fritz,  and  praying  that  we  might  be  delivered  from  danger. 

Great  and  overwhelming  was  our  joy  as  we  met,  and  while 
clasped  in  one  another's  arms,  knew  we  were  saved.  After  we 
had  all  knelt  and  mutually  offered  our  thanks  to  our  merciful 
Father  in  heaven  for  this  happy  deliverance,  we  hastened  to  Rock 
Castle  to  change  our  wet  clothes  for  dry  ones,  and  over  some 
warm,  well-spiced  soup,  to  think  and  talk  of  the  dangers  we  had 
passed  through. 

After  refreshing  ourselves  In  this  manner,  the  yacht  was  drawn 
on  shore,  and,  together  with  the  cargo,  consisting  of  the  head  of 
the  walrus,  was  dragged  to  the  Rock  House  on  rollers  by  one  of 
the  animals. 

Fritz  and  Ernest  also  fetched  the  canoe,  and  both  were  placed 
side  by  side  in  one  of  those  recesses  in  our  cave  which  we  were 
constantly  discovering,  and  making  useful  by  cutting  entrances, 
to  enable  us  to  place  in  them  all  the  stores  which  required  shelter. 
The  accommodations  at  Rock  Castle  were  large  enough  to  admit 
even  the  pinnace,  had  we  not  built  a  dock  for  it  near  Flamingo 
Marsh.  The  head  of  the  walrus  was  carried  to  the  workshop, 
and,  after  being  washed,  cleaned,  and  dried,  was  placed  on  Fritz's 
canoe,  where  it  presented  a  most  imposing  appearance. 

The  heavy  rain  which  had  fallen  at  such  an  unusual  season  had 
so  swollen  the  two  streams  which  descended  from  the  rocks,  that 
in  several  places,  especially  near  Falcon's  Nest,  the  water  had 
overflowed  its  banks,  causing  damage  which  required  our  con- 
stant exertions  to  repair.  The  Jackal  River  or  creek,  even,  which 
was  ver)^  deep,  rose  so  high  above  its  banks,  that  our  bridge 
was  In  danger,  and  the  fountain  at  Falcon's  Nest  was  almost 
destroyed. 

One  day  while  passing  the  spot  from  which  the  water  of  the 
Jackal  River  fell  In  a  cascade,  we  found  on  the  ground  clusters  of 
33  [  ^07  1 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

berries,  some  a  bright  red  and  others  of  a  dark  brown,  not  hirger 
than  a  common  hazelnut,  and  crowned  with  a  bunch  of  Httle 
leaves. 

Their  appearance  was  so  tempting  that  the  boys  eagerly  gath- 
ered them  up  and  tasted  them.  The  consequences  were  not 
pleasant.  A  sharp,  burning  sensation  in  the  mouth  made  them 
reject  the  berries  with  disgust,  and  spit  and  splutter  to  get  rid  of 
the  taste,  which  they  owned  was  a  punishment  for  their  greediness. 

I  observed  that  Master  Nip  appeared  to  have  no  desire  to  taste 
these  berries,  and  I  should  have  considered  that  they  were  poison- 
ous, had  I  not  recognized  in  the  shape  and  odor  of  the  fruit  a 
resemblance  to  cloves.  I  was  so  pleased  at  this  discovery,  that  I 
told  the  boys  to  gather  a  quantity  and  carry  them  to  the  mother, 
who  welcomed  the  addition  to  her  stores  with  great  satisfaction, 
and  determined  to  obtain  a  young  plant  for  her  nursery-grounds, 
and  employ  the  cloves  in  cooking  as  a  substitute  for  pepper,  till 
our  pepper-plants  bore  fruit. 

The  passage  of  salmon  and  sturgeon  near  our  shores,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  heavy  rain,  which  caused  the  rivers  to  overflow 
and  carry  them  farther  inland,  afforded  us  a  large  supply  of  fish. 
I  had  read  also  that  the  Hungarians  and  the  natives  of  other 
countries  near  the  Danube  scatter  the  washing  of  their  flour-mills 
over  fields  upon  which  the  water  has  flowed,  to  attract  fish, 
which  not  only  deposit  their  spawn,  but  are  more  easily  taken  in 
shallow  water.  I  therefore  adopted  this  plan,  and  my  store  of 
salmon  and  sturgeon,  with  the  roe  and  isinglass  obtained  from 
the  latter,  was,  in  consequence,  most  abundant. 

Our  days  during  this  period  had,  for  some  time,  passed  very 
peacefully,  till  one  moonlight  night  I  was  awoke  by  the  fierce 
barking  of  the  watch-dogs,  mingled  with  a  confused  sound  of 
growling,  squeaking,  and  trampling  feet.  I  pictured  to  myself 
immediately  an  assembly  of  jackals,  buffaloes,  bears,  and  boars, 
amusing  themselves  or  fighting  with  our  dogs. 

I  sprang  out  of  bed,  hastily  threw  on    a  few  garments,  and, 

[508] 


ROBINSON 

seizing  the  nearest  gun,  rushed  to  the  entrance-door,  the  upper 
half  of  which  was  always  open  at  night  to  admit  the  cool  air,  and 
looked  out  in  every  direction. 

Presently  I  saw  the  head  of  Fritz  out  of  the  window  of  his 
sleeping-room. 

"  Is  that  you,  papa  ?"  he  said.      "  What  on  earth  is  the  matter  ?" 

"Nothing  very  alarming,"  I  replied.  "I  believe  those  dreadful 
pigs  are  up  to  some  mischief  again,  and  that  the  dogs  are  after 
them.     Let  us  go  out  and  prevent  death  and  slaughter  if  we  can." 

Without  a  word  Fritz  scrambled  through  the  window,  half 
dressed,  and  we  hastened  together  toward  the  scene  of  the  tu- 
mult. It  was  as  I  expected.  The  pigs  had  managed  to  cross 
the  bridge,  and  two  of  the  dogs  had  seized  the  young  boar  by 
the  ears,  while  the  others  were  hunting  the  old  sow  and  the  little 
ones.  I  was  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  beat  our  two  watchful  cham- 
pions, but  they  would  not  set  the  boar  free  without  it,  and,  to  my 
surprise,  when  pursued,  the  whole  herd  fled  toward  the  bridge. 

My  boys  had  not,  as  I  at  first  supposed,  neglected  to  remove 
the  planks,  which  had  been  done  every  night  since  the  appear- 
ance of  the  boar  on  the  potato-field,  but  the  pigs  had  crossed  it 
by  their  own  cunning.  The  beams  still  remained,  and  the  creat- 
ures must  have  followed  one  another  in  single  file  with  the  ut- 
most caution,  for  these  beams  had  spaces  between  them  quite  wide 
enough  for  a  young  pig  to  slip  through. 

I  determined,  therefore,  to  rise  early  with  Fritz  on  the  next 
day,  and  begin  the  construction  of  a  drawbridge,  which  could 
be  drawn  up  every  evening,  and  prevent  us  for  the  future  from 
being  aroused  by  such  uninvited  guests. 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XXXV 

THE    DRAWBRIDGE — THE    HYENA 

]T  breakfast  next  morning  we  related  our  night's  ad- 
ventures to  the  boys  and  their  mother,  and  to  the 
latter  the  proposal  to  erect  a  drawbridge  was  most 
acceptable,  the  younger  boys  being  equally  pleased 
at  the  prospect  of  helping  in  such  a  new  and  use- 
ful undertaking. 

We  commenced  by  fixing  in  the  ground,  on  the  Rock  House 
side  of  the  river,  two  strong  posts,  the  width  of  the  bridge  apart, 
and  across  these,  close  to  the  ground,  I  nailed  two  planks,  one 
above  the  other,  to  strengthen  them,  and  a  third  at  the  top  for  the 
same  purpose.  We  then  nailed  the  planks  close  together  across 
the  beams,  forming  a  much  safer  footpath  over  the  bridge  than 
the  loose  planks  had  been. 

At  the  opposite  end  we  nailed  a  stronger  board,  to  hold  the 
rings  and  bear  the  strain  when  the  bridge  was  raised.  We  also 
lengthened  it,  that  a  sufficient  portion  for  safety  should  rest  on 
the  shore. 

At  the  end  nearest  our  home  four  strong  iron  hinges  were 
placed,  which  connected  it  with  the  planks  across  the  two  posts; 
and  by  these  hinges  we  hoped  to  raise  it  easily  every  evening. 
For  this  purpose  strong  cables  were  passed  through  holes  in  the 
highest  part  of  the  posts,  and  fastened  in  the  rings  at  the  opposite 
side;  strong  iron  staples  were  also  fixed  in  the  ground  behind  the 
posts,  to  which  the  cable  could  be  fastened  when  the  bridge  was 
drawn  up,  to  keep  it  firmly  in  its  place,  iron  hooks  being  fastened 
to  the  cable  for  this  purpose. 

[Sio] 


ROBIN  SON 

Our  drawbridge  occupied  nearly  a  fortnight  in  building;  and 
although  the  workmanship  was  rough  and  clumsy,  yet  we  were 
delighted  with  the  performance. 

Added  to  this  was  a  feeling  of  safety  at  night  from  the  attack 
of  wild  animals,  which  ap- 
peared to  be  more  numerous 
in  the  distant  parts  of  the 
island,  from  which  we  were 
now  separated  by  the  chain 
of  rocks  and  the  Jackal  River, 
and  protected  by  the  cannon 
on  the  shores  of  Deliverance 
Bay. 

1  he  boys  were  delighted  to 
climb  the  tall  posts  of  the 
new  bridge,  and  look  over 
the  country  on  the  opposite 
side.  In  the  distance  they 
could  distinguish  the  gazelles 
and  antelopes  which  they  had 
driven  to  Wood  Grange  from 
the  Green  Valley.  Sometimes 
these  little  creatures  would 
approach  the  outskirts  of  the 
wood,  but,  on  seeing  that  they 
were  watched,  they  would 
start  back  with  a  rush,  fly 
like  the  wind,  and  vanish  from 


■^'^^^^'^ 


VI 

#1 


our  eyes. 

"  What  a  pity  it  is  that  these  elegant  creatures  cannot  be  tamed," 
said  Fritz,  one  day,  "and  learn  to  associate  with  us,  like  our 
domestic  animals!" 

"If  we  had  a  bufFalo-lick,"  said  Ernest,  "as  they  have  in 
Georgia,  the  antelopes  would  soon  be  here." 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Whatever  is  a  buffalo-lick  ?"  asked  Fritz. 

"It  is  a  spot  formed  by  nature,  Fritz,"  I  said.  "We  could  not, 
therefore,  have  such  a  place  here,  although  there  are  places  similar 
in  our  native  land,  and  called  salt-licks,  because  the  chamois 
hunter  mixes  saltpetre  with  the  soil  to  attract  his  prey  to  a  certain 
spot.  But  in  America  the  place  with  such  a  singular  name  is 
remarkable  for  its  soil,  which,  formed  by  nature,  covers  several 
acres,  and  consists  of  more  than  half  salt.  All  animals,  whether 
wild  or  tame,  are  fond  of  salt." 

"Papa,"  cried  Fritz,  "could  we  not  lay  out  such  a  place.''" 

"I  have  no  objection,"  I  replied,  "if  you  can  obtain  a  store  of 
soil  sufficiently  moist;  we  have  salt  enough  in  our  salt  cave  to 
mix  with  it." 

"Oh!"  they  all  exclaimed.  "That  will  be  delightful!  We 
shall  be  able  to  attract  so  many  animals,  and  perhaps  tame  them. 
What  must  we  do  first  ?" 

"Well,  I  suppose  I  must  agree  to  accompany  you  on  another 
excursion,  for  we  shall  require  a  large  store  of  porcelain  earth, 
and  several  bamboo  canes  for  another  purpose;  so  the  earlier  we 
are  ready  to  start  to-morrow  the  better." 

Away  ran  the  boys,  full  of  glee  at  the  prospect  of  another 
journey;  Ernest  to  find  a  suitable  spot  for  the  salt-lick,  jack  with 
a  secret  design  about  the  pigeons,  while  Frank  declared  he  would 
get  the  old  sledge  ready,  and  at  once  drew  it  from  its  place  in  the 
cave. 

By  this  time  the  mother  knew  that  another  excursion  was  in 
preparation;  but  her  greatest  surprise  was  occasioned  by  the  re- 
quest of  Fritz,  that  she  would  provide  them  with  pemmican  for 
the  journey. 

"Pemmican!"  she  exclaimed.  "What  on  earth  is  that,  and 
for  what  can  you  use  it  ?" 

"For  our  provisions,  mamma,"  he  replied.  "The  Canadian 
fur  dealers  in  Canada  take  it  with  them  on  their  long  journeys, 
and  it  is  considered  very  wholesome." 

[512] 


ROBINSON 

"But  how  is  it  made,  my  son?"  she  rephed,  "or  where  can 
you  procure  the  materials  ?" 

"Oh,  mamma,"  he  said,  laughing,  "you  have  the  materials, 
but  I  do  not  like  to  give  you  so  much  trouble.  Pemmican  can 
be  made  of  bear's  flesh,  mixed  with  any  other  meat,  and  flour  and 
eggs;  and  after  being  chopped  very  small,  it  is  fried  I  can  make 
it  myself  if  you  will  give  me  the  slices  of  meat." 

But  the  mother,  when  she  understood  what  was  required,  readi- 
ly offered  to  help  him,  and  before  evening  a  large  store  of  pemmi- 
can, enough  to  last  two  days,  was  in  readiness,  and  placed  in  a 
bag  with  other  provisions.  Such  preparations  for  this  journey 
were  made  by  the  boys — sacks,  pannier-baskets,  strings  and 
lassoes,  bird-snares,  and  no  end  of  guns,  tools,  and  implements, 
were  placed  in  readiness  by  our  young  freebooters. 

At  last  the  longed-for  morning  dawned,  breakfast  was  de- 
spatched hastily,  and  on  the  wheeled  sledge  was  placed  Fritz's 
canoe,  the  travelling-tent,  provisions  both  for  food  and  warfare, 
and  a  number  of  other  things. 

While  they  were  loading  the  cart,  I  remarked,  unseen,  that  Jack 
was  carefully,  yet  secretly,  placing  two  pairs  of  our  European  pig- 
eons in  one  of  the  baskets.  They  were  large,  dark,  handsome 
birds,  with  a  red  circle  round  the  eyes,  which,  if  I  do  not  mistake, 
Buffon  has  named  the  "sultan  pigeon." 

"Now,"  I  thought  to  myself,  "the  youngster  has  provided  a 
substitute  for  his  dinner,  in  case  our  store  of  pemmican  should  not 
be  to  his  taste.  The  old  pigeons,  however,  will  not  be  a  very  tit- 
bit, with  their  tough  flesh." 

The  mother,  who  needed  rest,  wished  for  this  time  to  remain 
behind,  and  Ernest,  who  had  been  for  a  long  time  whispering  and 
tittering  mysteriously  with  Fritz  and  Jack,  on  hearing  his  mother's 
remark,  also  expressed  his  wish  to  remain  at  home  with  her.  To 
settle  the  dispute  which  arose,  I  at  once  decided  to  remain  at 
home,  and,  with  the  help  of  Ernest,  prepare  a  sugar-press  which  1 
had  long  promised  to  my  wife. 

[513] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

It  was  settled,  therefore,  that  the  eldest  and  the  two  younger 
hoys  should  go  alone,  and  they  at  once  set  off  in  great  glee — 
Fritz  and  Frank  on  Storm  and  Grumhler,  who  drew  the  sledge, 
;iiid  Jack  on  the  ostrich,  followed  by  the  dogs.  Fawn  and  Brownie, 
'narking  at  his  heels. 

I  watched  them  till  they  had  all  passed  safely  over  the  new 
hridge  and  were  out  of  sight. 

The  making  of  my  sugar-mill  occupied  all  my  spare  time,  al- 
though Ernest  and  his  mother  both  assisted.  But  I  need  not 
describe  my  attempts,  as  they  differed  very  little  from  what  I  had 
used  in  making  former  mills,  but  relate  the  results  of  the  boys' 
excursion,  which  are  much  more  amusing. 

The  evening  of  the  first  day  had  arrived,  and  I  was  seated  in 
the  veranda  with  my  wife,  who  was  engaged  in  sewing,  and 
Ernest,  to  enjoy  the  rest  and  the  cool  evening  air.  Our  con- 
versation turned  upon  our  young  excursionists,  and  we  won- 
dered what  adventures  they  would  have  to  relate.  I  could  see, 
however,  that  the  mother  looked  anxious,  and  when  we  at  length 
retired  to  rest,  she  expressed  her  wish  that  the  three  boys  were 
safe  at  home. 

"Oh,  mamma,  they  are  all  right,"  said  Ernest,  and  as  he  spoke 
I  noticed  a  twinkle  in  his  eyes,  that  made  me  feel  convinced  there 
was  some  secret  arrangement  with  his  brothers,  known  only  to 
himself. 

I  heard  Ernest  moving  about  next  morning  at  an  unusually 
early  hour,  but  he  did  not  make  his  appearance  till  breakfast- 
time,  when  he  entered  with  a  grave  step,  hat  in  hand,  and  bowing 
low,  yet  with  a  pretended  air  of  dignity,  he  presented  me  with  a 
letter,  and  said: 

"The  postmaster  of  the  Rock  district  presents  his  humble 
respects  to  the  nobly-born  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  this  house,  and 
hopes  he  shall  be  pardoned  for  not  being  able  to  forward  the 
dispatches  from  Sydney  Cove  and  Jackson's  Bay  before  this 
morning,  owing  to  the  post  having  arrived  too  late  last  night." 

[54] 


ROBINSON 

As  1  took  the  paper  he  bowed  again,  and  stood  waiting  for  me 
to  read  it. 

I  was  for  a  moment  rather  bewildered  by  this  strange  address, 
and  the  paper  placed  in  my  hands.  I  observed,  also,  that  my 
wife  looked  pale,  so  I  asked: 

"What  does  this  mean,  my  boy?'" 

"Papa,"  exclaimed  Ernest,  "it's  all  right,  only  fun;  you  read 
it,  and  then  you  will  understand  the  joke,  and  I'll  have  my  break- 
fast meanwhile,  mamma,  please." 

I  began  to  have  some  idea  now  of  the  secret  which  the  boys 
had  so  cleverly  carried  out;  but  I  concealed  my  suspicions,  and 
opening  the  packet,  read  aloud  as  follows: 

"The  Governor-General  of  New  South  Wales  to  His  Excellency 
THE  Governor  of  Rock  Castle,  Falcon's  Nest,  Wood  Grange, 
Sugar-cane  Grove,  and  Prospect  Hill,  greeting. 

"Most  noble,  well-beloved,  and  trusted  Ally  :  We  have  heard  with 
some  displeasure  a  report  that  on  this  day  three  disreputable  young  men 
have  set  out  from  your  colony  with  the  intention  of  proceeding  here,  and 
living  by  poaching,  hunting,  and  other  dishonorable  practices,  which  are 
sure  to  be  injurious  to  the  game  in  this  province,  and  cause  great  damage. 

"Information  has  also  been  received,  from  which  it  appears  that  you 
have  the  terribly  destructive  and  fearful  hyena  in  the  woods  of  your  colony, 
and  that  one  of  these  wild  animals  has  broken  into  a  sheepfold  at  a  place 
called   Wood  Grange. 

"In  consequence  of  these  reports,  we  pray  your  Excellency  to  give  up 
these  dreadful  young  men  to  justice,  and  use  every  means  to  destroy  the 
wild  animals  which  still  exist  in  your  colony. 

"Accept,  most  noble  Ally,  my  best  wishes. 

"Given  at  Sidney  Cove,  in  Jackson's  Bay,  the  twelfth  day  of  the  current 
month,  and  the  thirty-fourth  year  of  the  Colony. 

"  (Signed)  The  Governor,  Philip  Philipson." 

As  I  ceased  reading  Ernest  burst  into  a  loud  fit  of  laughter, 
and  at  last,  rushing  from  the  table,  began  dancing  about  so  wildly 
that  a  little  letter  fell  from  his  pocket.      I  was  about  to  pick  it  up, 

[  5^5  ] 


TS^  SWISS  FAMILY 

but  he  was  too  quick  for  me;  and,  holding  it  firmly,  he  exclaimed: 
"This  is  a  private  letter  to  me,  papa,  from  Wood  Grange,  but 
more  likely,  however,  to  be   true  than  the   despatch  from  good 
Sir  Philip,  who  appears  too  ready  to  believe  all  he  hears." 

"You  are  really  puzzling  me,  Ernest,"  I  said,  gravely.  "Did 
Fritz  leave  this  letter  with  vou,  to  be  given  to  me  after  he  left,  or 
has  he  indeed  discovered  the  traces  of  the  hyena  ?" 

"No  and  yes,  papa,"  said  Ernest.  "A  carrier-pigeon  brought 
me  the  letter  you  have  read  last  evening,  but  he  arrived  at  the 
pigeon-house  too  late  for  me  to  get  at  it.  Another  pigeon  brought 
this  letter,  tied  under  his  wing,  early  this  morning.  I  will  read  it 
to  you,  word  for  word. 

"'Wood  Grange,  the  15th  of  the  present  month. 

"'Dearest  Parents  and  Brother  :  A  frightful  hyena  has  killed  two 
lambs  and  a  ram  at  Wood  Grange.  Our  dogs  caught  it,  and  little  Frank 
shot  at  it  so  cleverly,  that  it  fell  dead  immediately.  It  has  taken  us  the 
whole  day  to  remove  the  skin.      The  pemmican  stuff  is  good  for  nothing. 

"'Love  to   all   from  your   Son   and    Brother,  Fritz.'" 

"Ha,  ha!"  laughed  I;  "that  is  a  regular  himter's  letter.  God 
be  praised  that  the  affair  with  the  hyena  ended  so  favorably  as 
appears.  He  must  have  newly  arrived  by  the  river  at  Wood 
Grange.  Had  he  been  long  there,  he  would  have  made  fine 
havoc  with  our  sheep  and  goats." 

"I  hope  the  boys  will  be  careful,"  said  the  mother.  "I  only 
wish  we  could  call  them  home,  or  fetch  them  quickly." 

"It  will  be  better  to  wait,  dear  mother,"  said  Ernest.  "No 
doubt  there  will  be  another  letter  by  this  evening's  post,"  he 
added,  with  a  smile. 

That  evening,  at  an  earlier  hour,  we  saw  a  carrier-pigeon  arrive 
at  the  pigeon-house.  Ernest  climbed  up,  and  found,  tied  loosely 
under  its  wing,  the  following  letter.  It  was  certainly  quite 
laconic: 

[5>6] 


ROBINSON 

"A  peaceful  night— this  morning  very  hot— cruise  on  the  Wood  Grange 
lake— captured  a  black  swan,  a  royal  heron,  cranes— unknown  animal 
escaped — Prospect  Hill  to-morrow.     Best  love  to  all.  Fritz. 

"Jack. 

"Frank." 

This  concise  letter  eased  the  mother's  mind  not  a  little,  as  it 
led  us  to  conclude  that  no  second  hyena  could  be  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. The  despatch,  how^ever,  still  remained  unexplained; 
and  v^e  felt  it  was  necessary  to  wait,  and  hear  from  the  boys  a 
full  account  of  their  movements  on  their  return  home. 

Shortly  after  dinner  on  the  fourth  day  of  their  absence  another 
carrier  pigeon  arrived  with  the  following  letter: 

"The  defile  by  the  river  is  forced.  As  far  as  Sugar-cane  Grove  all  is  laid 
waste.  The  smoking-hut  has  disappeared.  The  sugar-canes  are  torn  up 
and  broken.  Numbers  of  enormous  footsteps  of  huge  beasts  appear 
everywhere  on  the  ground.  Hasten,  dear  father,  to  our  help.  We  can 
neither  go  forward  nor  retreat;  and  although  we  are  safe  now,  we  know 
not  what  danger  is  at  hand." 

On  the  receipt  of  this  letter  I  did  not  lose  a  moment.  With- 
out delay  I  saddled  the  onager,  and,  telling  my  wife  to  follow  me 
with  Ernest  next  morning,  I  sprang  upon  my  fleet  courser,  and 
galloped  off  at  a  quick  pace. 

I  accomplished  in  three  hours  a  journey  that  usually  took  six, 
and  my  appearance  was  received  by  the  boys  with  shouts  of  joy. 
Without  delay  I  proceeded  at  once  to  see  with  my  own  eyes  the 
terrible  destruction,  and  knew  immediately  that  the  large  foot- 
prints in  the  earth  were  those  of  elephants,  and  sad  was  the 
devastation  and  ruin  they  had  left  behind  them. 

The  thick  posts  which  I  had  erected  to  close  the  narrow  pass 
by  the  river  lay  broken  on  the  earth  like  reeds;  and  a  grove  of 
trees,  which  we  had  planted  to  form  in  time  a  pleasant  summer- 
house,  was  destroyed,  both  roots  and  ^ranches.     In  the  bamboo 

[517] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

thicket  the  young  and  tender  plants  were  all  eaten  or  torn  up; 
indeed,  it  appeared  as  if  the  elephant  troop  had  been  accom- 
panied by  other  animals,  for  1  found  several  smaller  and  fuller 
footprints  in  the  soil,  which  seemed  to  belong  to  the  hippopotamus. 
We  gathered  a  large  quantity  of  wood  to  keep  fires  burning  all 
night  round  the  tent,  as  a  protection  against  the  attacks  of  these 
animals  in  the  night,  Fritz  and  I,  with  our  guns  in  readiness,  keep- 
ing watch  during  the  whole  period  of  darkness. 

About  noon  on  the  following  day  Ernest  and  his  mother  ar- 
rived, with  the  cow  harnessed  to  the  cart,  well  loaded  with  pro- 
visions for  a  long  stay,  which  appeared  necessary,  for  it  was 
evident  we  should  have  to  erect  a  dwelling  in  the  neighborhood 

as  soon  as  we  had  repaired 
the  barricade  at  the  entrance 
of  the  defile. 

This  done,  I  readily  agreed 
to  the  earnest  wish  of  Fritz 
that  we  should  build  a  sum- 
mer -  house  something  after 
the  plan  adopted  by  the  na- 
tives of  Kamchatka. 

In  place  of  four  posts  I 
substituted  the  stems  of  four 
beautiful  trees,  standing,  in 
the  form  of  a  quadrangle,  at 
a  distance  from  each  other 
of  about  twelve  feet. 

At  the  height  of  twenty 
feet  from  the  ground  these 
four  trunks  were  united  by 
tour  strong  split  bamboo  canes,  on  which  we  laid  boards  for 
a  flooring.  From  this  floor  we  raised  thinner  bamboo  canes 
for  walls,  and  to  divide  the  space  into  apartments.  The  inner 
branches  of  the  trees  were  partly  cut  away  and  partly  entwined 


ROBINSON 

round  the  canes,  which  closed  the  openings  between  them;  the 
outer  branches  I  allowed  to  remain  as  additional  security. 

To  form  a  roof  we  trained  the  upper  branches  and  fastened 
them  to  the  tops  of  the  thin  bamboo  canes;  over  these  was  laid 
bark  to  keep  out  the  rain.  The  staircase  was  merely  a  plank 
with  places  cut  out  for  steps,  and  a  hanging  rope  to  assist  in 
climbing  it,  something  like  a  ladder  on  a  ship's  side. 

The  space  below  the  rooms  was  divided  into  stalls  for  the  cattle 
and  a  fowl-house.  In  front  of  them  we  lengthened  the  flooring 
to  form  a  balcony,  similar  to  that  at  Falcon's  Nest,  and  upon  this 
the  entrance-door  to  the  rooms  opened.  This  balcony  we  could 
use  as  an  observatory,  for  it  commanded  an  immense  prospect. 
The  walls  of  the  stables  and  fowl-house  were  constructed  ftf 
cocoanut-palm  wood,  cut  in  strips  and  nailed  obliquely  across 
from  one  tree-stem  to  the  other,  leaving  space  for  an  entrance, 
and  forming  a  latticework,  which  had  a  very  pleasing  efi^ect. 

This  work  scarcely  gave  us  breathing-time  during  the  day  for 
a  whole  month,  but  the  boys  made  several  excursions  to  Falcon's 
Nest  and  Rock  House  to  look  after  our  domestic  fowls  and  pig- 
eons, and  to  bring  back  a  report  of  the  plantations  and  vegetable 
gardens.  We  found  time  also  on  a  few  evenings  to  listen  to  the 
story  of  their  adventures  during  their  four  days'  absence  on  that 
memorable  excursion,  which  must  be  related  in  another  chapter. 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XXXVI 

FRITZ   RELATES   THE    ADVENTURES    OF   THEIR    EXCURSION 

HE  evening  chosen  for  this  narrative  was  cahii  and 
peaceful,  and  we  had  progressed  so  rapidly  with  our 
summer-house,  that  we  were  able  to  seat  ourselves 
on  the  new  floor  and  listen  at  our  ease. 

"  I  watched   you    cross   the    bridge    in    safety,"    I 
said,  "and  yet  I  felt  uneasy  at  the  prospect  of  your  absence." 

"Yes,  papa,"  said  Fritz,  "perhaps  you  did,  but  not  after  you 
received  the  despatches  by  our  postman." 

"Certainly  that  relieved  both  your  mother  and  myself  from 
anxiety,  for  the  day  at  least  on  which  we  received  them;  and, 
indeed,  I  am  thankful  you  had  such  a  means  of  communication, 
especially  when  you  wished  to  send  for  me.  But  how  came  you 
to  discover  these  carrier  pigeons  .?  I  was  not  aware  that  we  had 
any  of  the  species." 

"Ernest  found  them  out,"  said  Fritz;  "they  are  described  in 
his  Natural  History  as  large,  dark  birds,  with  purple  throats,  and 
a  red  circle  round  the  eyes." 

"Ah,  yes!"  I  replied,  laughing;  "I  saw  you  take  those  four 
pigeons,  and  was  amused  at  the  idea,  for  I  knew  they  would  be 
tough  eating;  yet  by  the  whispering  and  mysterious  consultations 
going  on,  I  supposed  there  was  some  surprise  in  store  for  us." 

"And  so  there  was,  papa,  and  a  very  useful  mystery  too,"  said 
Fritz;  "but  now  let  me  tell  you  of  our  first  adventure  with  the 
hyena. 

"Nothing  occurred  till  we  approached  the  farm,  and  then  we 
heard,  to  our  surprise,  loud  bursts  of  human  laughter  among  the 

[520] 


ROBINSON 

bushes,  which  appeared  to  alarm  the  animals  terribly.  The  dogs, 
who  were  in  advance,  ran  back  to  us  snarling  and  growling,  while 
the  ostrich  at  once  bolted  with  his  rider,  and  ran  wildly  into  the 
marshy  rice-field. 

'"There  is  something  wrong,  Frank,'  I  said;  'you  must  be 
ready  to  fire,  for  it  is  as  much  as  I  can  do  to  hold  in  these  animals. 
Keep  close  to  me,  and  let  us  discover  what  this  unusual  disturb- 
ance means.' 

"Frank  raised  his  gun,  with  his  finger  on  the  trigger,  and  while 
I  held  in  the  buffalo  and  the  ox  firmly,  the  brave  little  fellow  ap- 
proached the  bushes  and  peeped  in.      There  stood  a  hyena  with 


his  paw  on  a  ram  he  had  just  killed,  at  about  forty  paces'  dis- 
tance, and  laughing  hideously.  At  this  moment  the  dogs  rushed 
past  Frank,  and,  barking  and  yelling,  flew  toward  the  horrid 
beast;  but  before  they  could  reach  him  Frank  had  fired;  the  ball, 
passing  through  his  fore  leg,  entered  his  chest,  and  the  monster 
fell  to  the  earth. 

"  I  heard  the  shot,"  continued  Fritz,  "  and,  fastening  the  fright- 
ened oxen  to  a  tree,  I  ran  to  help  Frank;  but,  fortunately,  I  was  not 
wanted;   the  two  dogs  had  rushed  upon  the  animal,  dragged  away 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

his  prey  from  him,  and  when  I  and  Frank  reached  the  place,  we 
found  the  creature  quite  dead.  Our  brave  Brownie  had  seized 
him  by  the  throat  and  finished  the  business.  We  all  raised  shouts 
of  joy  as  Jack  returned  with  the  ostrich,  and  wasn't  he  astonished 
when  he  saw  our  horrid  enemy  lying  dead  ?  The  creature  was 
as  large  as  a  wild  boar,  and  on  his  back,  from  the  head  to  the  tail, 
he  had  thick,  black  bristles  standing  on  end.  The  dogs  would 
never  have  been  able  alone  to  kill  such  a  fierce,  strong  creature, 
so  it  is  well  for  us  that  Frankie  was  so  brave." 

"  It  makes  me  nervous  to  think  of  it,"  said  his  mother,  "  al- 
though I  am  glad  Frank  was  not  afraid;  that  would  have  made 
it  much  more  dangerous." 

"I  was  a  little  afraid,  mamma,"  said  the  boy,  "when  the  creat- 
ure laughed  so  horridly;  but  I  thought  I  could  hit  him  more 
easily  while  he  was  eating,  and  so  I  did,  and  I  felt  proud  of  having 
killed  such  splendid  booty." 

"And  how  did  you  manage  the  ostrich.  Jack  ?"  asked  his 
mother. 

"Oh!  I  covered  his  eyes,  and  he  got  over  his  fright  when  the 
laughing  was  stopped." 

"The  skinning  was  a  difficult  process,  papa,"  exclaimed  Fritz; 
"we  wanted  you  and  the  syringe  to  help  us;  but  the  hyena's  skin 
is  coarse  and  rough  compared  to  the  bear's.  This  was  our  first 
day's  work,  and  when  we  reached  Wood  Grange  I  sent  those 
letters  by  the  carrier-pigeon,  as  you  know,  papa.  We  had  our 
supper  in  the  tent,  and  laid  down  to  sleep  on  the  bears'  skins, 
lighted  fires  round  it,  while  one  of  us  kept  watch  in  turns,  with 
our  guns  in  readiness. 

"We  had  made  up  our  minds  to  occupy  the  next  day  in  ex- 
plormg  Black  Swan  Lake,  and  I  was  to  cruise  near  the  shore  in 
my  canoe,  while  Jack  and  Frank  followed  on  foot,  as  near  the 
water  as  rhey  could  walk  without  sticking  in  marshy  ground,  and 
at  every  point  where  I  expressed  a  wish  to  stop  on  our  way  back 
they  set  up  a  tall  bamboo  cane. 

[522] 


ROBINSON 

"  I  wanted  so  much  to  take  some  black  swans  alive,  and  almost 
on  starting  in  the  canoe,  I  came  upon  two  old  birds  with  their 
young  ones.  I  had  some  trouble  to  catch  even  one,  for  the  old 
birds  beat  me  with  their  wings,  and  tried  to  upset  the  canoe;  but 
I've  got  them  all  safe,  as  you  know,  papa,  in  the  river,  fastened 
with  strings  to  the  shore,  and  won't  they  look  beautiful  in  the 
duck-pond  at  Deliverance  Bay,  or  in  the  Jackal  River,  when  we 
have  tamed  them  ? 

"A  few  minutes  after  securing  the  young  swans  we  saw  a  beau- 
tiful bird  standing  on  the  shore,  with  long  legs,  a  purple  breast, 
and  a  crest  of  crimson-tipped  feathers  on  its  head.  I  threw  a 
lasso  of  fine  string  round  its  neck,  and  although  it  struggled  very 
much,  I  made  it  my  prisoner.  I  think  it  is  the  royal  heron,  papa, 
and  I  do  hope  it  will  live  and  become  tame. 

"  But  I  had  a  fright  after  this,  though  not  so  bad  as  the  boys 
who  were  walking;  a  great  ugly  beast  rushed  out  of  the  rushes 
just  in  front  of  them,  hissing  loudly.  We  were  so  taken  by  sur- 
prise, that  we  never  thought  of  firing  till  it  was  out  of  sight.  It 
was  of  a  dark  brown  color,  and  something  like  a  young  rhinoceros, 
but  without  tusks,  and  it  had  such  a  long  snout  and  upper  lip — 
a  most  ugly  animal;    what  could  it  have  been  ?" 

"  By  your  description,  Fritz,"  I  replied,  "  I  believe  the  creature 
was  a  species  of  tapir.  These  animals  frequent  the  banks  of  large 
rivers  in  South  America;    but  they  are  very  harmless." 

"A  flock  of  cranes  came  next,"  continued  Fritz,  "just  as  we 
passed  the  corn-field,  and  these  we  fired  at  with  arrows.  Four  or 
five  fell,  as  you  have  seen,  papa,  but  two  of  them  are  unlike  the 
others,  and  have  larger  wings." 

"I  noticed  it,  my  boy,"  I  replied;  "these  are  Numidian  cranes, 
and  among  them  is  one  of  those  called  the  demoiselle  crane,  from 
the  affected  and  fantastical  movements  it  performs  on  its  legs, 
almost  as  if  it  were  dancing." 

"That  evening,  although  we  returned  home  very  tired,"  said 
Fritz,  going  on  with  the  narrative  of  their  adventures,  "we  en- 

[5^3] 


T"^  SWISS  FAMILY 

joyed  our  supper  of  cold  peccary  ham,  cassava  cakes,  and  potatoes 
baked  in  ashes,  very  much.  Sometimes  for  dessert  after  dinner 
we  gathered  guavas  and  other  fruit.  But,  mamma,"  added  the 
boy,  "you  were  right  about  the  pemmican;  it  was  not  at  all  nice, 
so  we  gave  it  to  the  dogs." 

"  I  dare  say  the  instructions  you  gave  me  were  not  quite  cor- 
rect," she  replied,  with  a  smile;  "but  we  will  try  again  some  day, 
perhaps  the  second  attempt  will  be  more  successful.  But  go  on 
with  your  adventures,  Fritz." 

"We  intended  to  pay  a  visit  next  day  to  Prospect  Hill,"  he 
said,  "but  on  reaching  the  pine  wood,  we  found  a  whole  troupe 
of  monkeys  seated  on  the  branches.  They  howled  and  chattered 
and  gnashed  their  teeth  at  us,  pouring  down  upon  us  at  the  same 
time  a  hail-storm  of  pine-cones.  We  had  to  run  from  side  to  side 
to  avoid  them.  At  last  I  fired  a  few  small  shots  among  the  rebels, 
which  sent  them  flying,  and  we  continued  the  rest  of  our  journey 
in  peace. 

"  But  when  we  reached  Prospect  Hill,  such  a  scene  of  destruc- 
tion presented  itself!  We  have  been  too  busy,  since  you  came, 
with  the  repairing  here,  to  spare  time  from  our  work  to  show  it 
to  you;   but  oh,  papa,  you  will  be  sorry  when  you  see  it! 

"  Every  place  is  broken  down  and  destroyed  by  those  dreadful 
monkeys.  We  could  only  unharness  the  animals  from  the  cart 
and  the  sledge;  it  was  impossible  to  unload.  The  hut  had  dis- 
appeared, and  we  were  obliged  to  put  up  our  tent  for  a  sleeping- 
place.  However,  I  determined  to  try  and  exterminate  these 
mischievous  animals. 

"We  had  milked  the  goats  before  leaving  Wood  Grange,  and 
I  placed  a  small  quantity  of  milk  in  several  cocoanut-shells,  with 
palm  wine  and  bruised  grain.  Into  each  of  these  I  poured  a  few 
drops  of  the  poisonous  gum  of  the  euphorbia-tree,  which  you  had 
given  me,  papa,  in  a  calabash  bottle  for  some  purpose.  These 
cocoanut-shells  I  hung  on  the  young  palm-trees  close  by,  and 
placed  a  few  on  the  fallen  trunks  of  other  trees. 

[5^4] 


I 


ROBINSON 

"All  this  employed  us  till  late  in  the  evening.  Our  animals 
were  lying  down  on  the  green  turf  enjoying  their  rest  when  we 
returned  to  the  tent;  but  before  entering  it,  the  appearance  of  a 
strange  light  in  the  distant  horizon,  where  the  sea  and  sky  seemed 
to  meet,  induced  us  to  climb  to  the  high  ground  on  Prospect  Hill, 
for  I  thought  it  must  be  a  ship  on  fire.  But  while  we  stood  look- 
ing earnestly  at  the  light,  the  round  disc  of  the  moon,  large  and 
full,  peeped  above  the  horizon,  and  presently  such  a  glorious  light 
streamed  over  the  sea  and  the  country  all  round;  it  was  quite 
beautiful.     I  could  have  read  a  book  in  the  moonlight. 

"While  we  thus  stood  on  the  hill,  there  suddenly  sounded  in  our 
ears  the  loud  snarling  or  hissing  cry  of  some  strange  animal,  and 
the  crackling  of  grass  and  reeds  under  heavy  feet,  that  seemed  to 
be  passing  over  the  rocks  into  the  sea. 

"Brownie  and  Fawn  as  well  as  the  jackal  must  have  heard  it, 
for  they  all  set  up  barking  and  howling  in  a  frightful  manner;  but 
the  dogs  could  not  rush  out,  for  we  had  tied  them  up  in  the  tent 
for  fear  they  should  touch  the  poisoned  drink  intended  for  the 
apes.  We,  however,  returned  quickly  to  the  tent,  and  after  reno- 
vating the  fires  we  had  lighted,  laid  down  on  our  bear-skins  to 
sleep.  But  we  had  very  little  rest.  The  moonlight  roused  the 
monkeys;  we  could  hear  them  snarling,  chattering,  and  howling 
near  us  for  hours,  and  then  all  became  so  still  that  we  fell  asleep, 
and  did  not  wake  next  morning  till  long  after  sunrise. 

"Oh,  papa!"  continued  Fritz,  "what  a  dreadful  poison  that 
euphorbia  must  be!  When  we  left  our  tent  the  sight  of  so  many 
dead  monkeys  horrified  us.  I  believe  our  possessions  are  now 
safe  at  last.  As  quickly  as  possible  we  threw  the  dead  bodies 
into  the  sea,  and  burned  the  cocoanut-shells  and  flasks  that  had 
contained  the  poison." 

"It  was  a  dangerous  performance,  Fritz,"  I  said,  "and  a  sad 
necessity  to  destroy  all  those  living  creatures  so  quickly;  but  do 
not  let  us  talk  about  it.  You  have  not  yet  described  the  capture 
of  those  beautiful  birds  with  the  long  tail-feathers." 

[525] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"  Ernest  says  they  are  called  birds  of  Paradise,"  he  replied,  "  and 
indeed  they  have  the  most  beautifully  colored  feathers  I  ever  saw. 
We  were  walking  through  high  grass  near  the  river,  when  the  dogs 
started  quite  a  flock  of  them.  I  sent  up  my  eagle,  and  he  brought 
down  one,  which  fell  trembling  and  terrified  in  the  grass;  and  as  \ 
I  saw  another  falling,  I  am  sure  from  fear,  I  held  out  my  hands 
and  caught  it,  while  Jack  picked  up  the  other;  both  were  living 
and  unhurt." 

*'I  am  glad  these  lovely  creatures  are  not  injured,  Fritz,"  I  re- 
plied, "  and  I  think  they  will  be  easily  tamed,  for  they  are  as  gentle 
as  doves." 

While  we  remained  at  this  spot,  and  during  the  building  of  our 
new  summer  residence,  I  allowed  the  boys  to  make  short  excur- 
sions in  the  neighborhood  alone,  as  a  change,  and  they  made 
several  fresh  discoveries  in  consequence.  Fritz  on  one  occasion 
brought  home  from  the  opposite  shores  of  the  stream  two  sorts 
of  fruit,  differing  in  size,  but  not  in  appearance.  One  of  them  he 
supposed  to  be  young  cucumbers,  or  gherkins;  but,  on  tasting 
them,  I  discovered  that  those  he  had  mistaken  for  gherkins  were 
bananas,  and  the  other  the  valuable  cacao-nut  from  the  seeds  of 
which  chocolate  is  made.  These  seeds,  which  are  exceedingly 
bitter,  are  contained  in  a  soft,  fleshy  fruit,  with  a  sickly  taste. 
The  banana  was  not  much  better,  having  the  flavor  of  a  rotten 
pear. 

It  is  strange  that  both  these  trees  should  produce  an  unpalatable 
fruit  which,  by  preparation,  can  be  made  so  pleasant  and  valu- 
able. The  cacao-seed,  after  being  removed  from  the  fruit,  is 
dried,  pounded,  and  mixed  with  spices  to  form  delicious  choco- 
late. The  banana  is  very  much  admired  by  the  natives  of  both 
the  Indies,  in  which  it  grows,  but  when  sent  to  Europe,  it  is  gen- 
erally as  a  sweet  preserve. 

"  If  that  be  so,"  said  my  wife,  "  I  should  like  a  few  seeds  or 
young  plants  for  my  nursery.  I  can,  no  doubt,  also  make  a  deli- 
cious preserve  of  the  banana." 

[526] 


ROBINSON 

"Of  course  you  can,  dear  wife,"  I  replied;  "and  Fritz  can 
easily  procure  for  you  a  few  of  the  young  shoots;  but  the  cacao- 
seeds  require  a  very  watery  soil,  so  that  it  is  too  late  in  the  season 
for  them  now.  However,  the  fruit  may  keep  till  the  rainy  season, 
and  then  the  seed  must  be  sown  the  instant  it  is  taken  from  the 
pulp." 

On  the  day  before  that  on  which  our  return  to^Rock  House 
was  fixed,  Fritz  started  in  his  canoe  to  obtain  for  his  mother  a 
supply  of  young  banana  plants  and  the  cacao-fruit,  which  were  to 
be  found  only  on  the  opposite  shore  of  the  Eastern  River.  Behind 
him,  as  a  sort  of  raft,  he  towed  a  bundle  of  reeds,  which  floated 
on  the  surface  of  the  water.  This  he  brought  back  in  the  evening 
with  him  fully  loaded. 

His  brothers  rushed  to  the  strand,  and  chased  the  canoe  to 
secure  the  vegetable  raft  and  its  contents.  Ernest  and  Frank 
seized  it  as  he  neared  the  shore,  and  at  the  same  time  one  of  them 
threw  a  loaded  bag,  that  had  slipped  half  into  the  water,  to  Jack, 
and  told  him  to  take  care  of  it. 

Away  ran  Jack  with  the  bag,  full  of  curiosity,  behind  a  bush, 
and  opened  it  just  wide  enough  for  him  to  peep  in. 

"Oh,  you  great  fellow!"  he  cried,  with  a  start;  "what  a  mon- 
ster you  are!     You  made  me  nearly  jump  out  of  my  skin." 

Then  he  closed  the  bag  carefully,  and,  placing  it  again  half  in 
and  half  out  of  the  water,  made  it  fast  to  a  tree.  The  reason  of 
all  these  performances  we  did  not  learn  till  later. 

By  this  time  Fritz  had  sprung  on  shore,  carrying  a  bird  with  its 
legs  and  wings  bound,  and  full  of  joy,  for  his  booty  was  a  beautiful 
sultan  or  water-fowl.  The  legs  and  feet  were  red;  the  chief 
color  of  the  body  and  wings  a  rich  purple,  changing  on  the  back 
to  dark  green,  flecked  with  red  spots,  and  on  'the  throat  to  brown. 
The  creature  was  gentle,  and  appeared  likely  to  be  tamed  easily. 
The  beauty  of  this  new  arrival  pleased  the  mother  greatly,  and 
she  determined  to  take  it  under  her  own  immediate  care. 

Fritz  had  met  with  many  strange  adventures  in  his  cruise  up 

[527] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

the  river,  and  his  description  of  the  beautiful  country  through 
which  he  passed  would  have  tempted  us  to  visit  it,  but  for  the 
creatures  by  which  it  was  inhabited. 

Green  fields,  trees  loaded  with  fruit  on  one  shore;  and  on  the 
other,  overhanging  mountains  and  majestic  forests.  Here  and 
there  troupes  of  birds  with  glorious  plumage,  producing  such 
an  unheard-of  mixture  of  sounds,  that  their  cackling,  quacking, 
gobbling,  and  screaming  made  him  almost  giddy.  There  were 
guinea-fowls,  peacocks,  and  numbers  of  other  birds,  with  a  few 
sultan  fowls,  one  of  which  he  had  managed  to  capture. 

Farther  on  he  passed  a  whole  forest  of  mimosa-trees,  in  which 
from  ten  to  twenty  elephants  were  peacefully  feeding  on  the  large 
branches  of  the  trees,  which  they  tore  down  with  their  trunks  with 
as  much  ease  as  Fritz  could  have  broken  off  a  sugar-cane.  They 
then  entered  the  river,  and  stood  in  the  water  as  a  means  of  cool- 
ing themselves  during  the  fierce  heat  of  the  day. 

At  a  point  farther  down  the  river  Fritz  observed  a  number  of 
panthers,  their  splendidly  marked   fur  shining  in  the  sun's  rays. 

"  I  felt  for  a  moment  inclined  to  try  my  skill  as  a  marksman  on 
one  of  these  fellows,"  he  said;  "but  while  I  hesitated  a  rushing 
sound  startled  me,  and  I  saw  the  water,  at  about  a  stone's  throw 
in  front  of  me,  boiling  and  foaming,  as  if  some  large  spring  had 
suddenly  burst  forth  beneath  it. 

"  Suddenly  there  arose  from  the  water  a  hideous  animal,  that 
made  me  shudder,  its  loud  bellow  resembling  in  some  measure 
the  neighing  of  a  horse;  while  the  creature,  opening  his  wide 
jaws,  displayed  a  row  of  frightful  teeth,  which  seemed  to  be  stuck 
in  the  gums  like  a  regiment  of  Spanish  lancers. 

"  I  turned  at  once,  and  fled  from  the  spot  like  an  arrow,  rowing 
with  all  my  strength  till  I  reached  the  current,  while  the  perspira- 
tion rolled  down  my  face.  I  never  looked  back  till,  at  a  bend  of  , 
the  river,  I  lost  sight  of  the  monster.  I  then  took  up  my  paddle 
again,  and  did  not  feel  safe  till  I  had  reached  a  point  which  I  knew 
was  not  far  from  our  tent." 

[528] 


ROBINSON 

From  this  description  I  at  once  decided  that  the  neighborhood 
of  the  Eastern  River  and  the  Green  Valley  was,  in  spite  of  its 
verdure  and  beauty,  infested  with  wild  animals,  and  among  them 
the  creature  which  had  so  alarmed  Fritz.  It  was  no  doubt  the 
hippopotamus  or  sea-horse.  He  had,  however,  made  many  dis- 
coveries, and  had  not  only  obtained  the  required  plants  and  seeds 
for  his  mother,  but  also  a  handsome  water-fowl. 


During  the  absence  of  Fritz  we  had  been  all  very  busy  in  pre- 
paring for  our  departure  on  the  following  day. 

The  boy,  however,  had  not  lost  his  courage  by  the  alarming 
sights  he  had  seen  on  this  excursion,  for  he  begged  me  to  allow 
him  to  return  to  Rock  House  in  his  canoe. 

He  could,  he  said,  double  the  promontory  of  False  Hope,  and 
then  keep  inshore  till  he  reached  the  Jackal  River. 

I  readily  gave  my  consent,  for  1  felt  it  would  be  of  great  im- 
portance for  one  of  the  boys,  at  least,  to  learn  the  navigation  of 
the  island,  and  also  to  ascertain  if  it  were  possible  to  reach  the 
promontory,  or  the  Arabian  Watch-tower,  by  a  nearer  way  than 

by  the  open  sea.  . 

Earlv  the  following  morning  we  started  for  home,  with  the 
cart  and  the  sledge  well  laden,  and  the  numerous  feathered  folk 
carefully  packed  in  baskets. 

I  529  ] 


TSfi  SWISS  FAMILY 

I  had  decided  to  place  the  mountain  fowl  and  the  cranes,  with 
a  few  other  birds,  on  the  two  islands;  the  black  swans,  the  sultan 
fowl,  and  the  royal  heron  were  to  be  set  free  on  the  marsh. 

This  marsh,  near  the  duck-pond,  had  grown  into  a  lake  since 
the  heavy  rains,  and  we  hoped  to  tame  the  new-comers  by  feeding 
them  now  and  then  with  titbits  from  our  own  hands. 

The  old  bustards  were  to  retain  the  privilege  of  being  near  us 
at  meal-times,  as  they  were  accustomed,  standing  gravely  waiting 
for  their  share. 

On  the  evening  of  our  arrival  at  Rock  House,  and  while  seated 
In  the  veranda  enjoyjing  the  cool,  fresh  air,  Fritz  returned,  and 
hastened  at  once  to  relate  his  adventures.  On  reaching  Cape 
False  Hope,  he  had  skirted  the  opposite  shore  of  the  island,  which 
we  had  never  yet  reached  by  land,  and  found  It  in  some  parts  a 
chain  of  high  rocks,  and  in  others  fertile  country. 

On  many  of  the  clefts  of  the  rocks,  and  at  their  feet,  were  groves 
of  bushes  covered  with  blossoms  that  filled  the  air  with  their  sweet 
perfume.  These  flowers  were  small  and  white,  with  pink  centres 
and  petals  tipped  with  green.  The  heart-shaped  leaves,  however, 
as  well  as  the  stalks,  were  thorny.  He  also  found  another  white 
flower  with  slender  leaves,  not  unlike  those  of  the  cherry-tree 
blossom. 

This  flower  greatly  resembled  the  China  tea-tree,  and  the  hope 
that  It  would  prove  so  greatly  pleased  the  mother.  The  former 
I  took  for  the  blossom  of  the  caper,  which  is  a  creeping  plant 
growing  in  the  crevices  of  rocks  and  on  old  ruins. 

While  Fritz  was  relating  and  producing  the  results  of  his  cruise, 
a  sudden  noise  was  heard  in  the  direction  of  the  duck-pond,  which 
now  bore  the  name  of  Swan  Lake,  since  the  river  had  overflowed 
its  banks. 

The  sound  was  a  hollow,  ghastly  bellow,  not  unlike  the  angry 
lowing  of  two  fighting  oxen,  and  our  dogs  rushed  out,  barking 
furiously.  I  started  up  hastily,  and  called  to  Jack  to  bring  me  my 
double-barrelled  gun,  while  the  mother,  Ernest,  and  Frank  rushed 

[530] 


ROBINSON 

into  the  house.  Fritz  alone  surprised  me:  he  that  was  so  ready- 
to  seize  his  weapons,  now  stood  leaning  against  one  of  the  sup- 
ports of  the  veranda,  laughing  most  unmercifully.  This,  how- 
ever, eased  my  mind;   I  reseated  myself,  and  said: 

"  I  suppose  you  know  it  is  nothing  but  the  bellow  of  a  bittern 
or  a  marsh  pig  ?" 

"Or,"  said  Fritz,  "most  likely  an  evening  serenade  from  Jack's 
giant  frog." 

"Ho!  ho!"  I  exclaimed;  "this  is  one  of  the  tricks  of  that 
clever  young  gentleman,  is  it  ?  I  understand  now  the  mystery 
of  the  sack,  and  why  he  wished  to  start  before  us  on  the  way 
home! 

"It  is  all  right,  wife,"  I  called  out;  "nothing  but  the  croaking 
of  a  frog." 

"A  frog!"  she  exclaimed,  as  she  answered  my  call,  followed  by 
Ernest  and  Frank. 

"Yes,  mamma,  a  giant  frog,  which  I  brought  home  for  Jack  on 
my  last  excursion.     Is  it  a  European  frog  ?" 

"Oh  no,"  I  replied;  "the  giant  frog  is  a  native  of  America, 
and  sometimes  grows  to  the  size  of  a  rabbit.  Another  species 
which  inhabits  South  Africa,  where  the  heat  during  both  day  and 
night  at  some  parts  of  the  year  is  most  oppressive,  keeps  up  a 
continual  croaking.  The  giant  frog  croaks  only  at  night,  and  his 
music,  when  near  at  hand,  is  not  very  agreeable.  I  hope,  how- 
ever, that  our  heron  will  soon  put  him  to  silence,  and  in  the  mean 
time  we  will  let  him  remain." 

Jack,  who  had  rushed  off  quickly  to  the  pond  on  hearing  the 
unearthly  noise,  came  back  while  I  was  speaking,  and  looked  very 
much  annoyed  at  the  behavior  of  his  new  plaything. 

"It  is  a  great,  ugly  thing,  papa,"  said  the  boy,  "but  not  half  as 
big  as  a  rabbit.  I  think  it  is  what  they  call  a  bullfrog;  but  if  it 
wouldn't  croak  so  loud,  I  should  like  to  keep  it  and  see  how  large 
it  would  grow.  I  don't  think  the  heron  or  even  the  cranes  could 
swallow  it  now,  even  if  they  were  to  try." 

[531] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

"You  may  keep  him  if  you  like,  my  boy,"  said  his  mother; 
"but  don't  let  him  come  near  the  house;  and  as  to  his  noise,  we 
shall  perhaps  get  used  to  it." 

After  a  few  days'  rest,  my  wife  begged  me  to  plan  a  last  excur- 
sion for  the  summer  to  Falcon's  Nest,  and  employ  our  energies  in 
restoring  and  finishing  the  inside  of  our  old  summer  palace.  I 
willingly  agreed  to  her  wishes,  only  waiting  till  the  boys  had 
finished  the  buffalo-lick,  which  they  were  now  busy  in  laying  out. 

In  two  days  this  was  completed,  and  we  all  started  off  eagerly 
on  our  expedition  to  Falcon's  Nest. 

We  found  everything  as  we  had  left  it,  but  in  a  very  unfinished 
state.  Our  first  work  was  to  cut  the  sides  of  the  arched  roots 
into  shape  and  polish  them.  The  terrace  upon  these  roots  was 
repaired,  and  the  flooring  covered  with  a  mixture  of  tar  and  resin 
to  make  it  water-tight.  A  roof  of  bark  was  placed  over  the  upper 
balcony,  outside  our  old  sleeping-apartment;  this  roof  also  over- 
hung the  terrace  beneath,  and  across  the  railings  of  both  we  nailed 
latticework,  so  that  we  really  had  now  two  balconies  round  the 
tree  castle. 

The  tarpaulin  over  the  sleeping-room  was  removed  to  make 
room  for  a  new  roof,  formed  of  bark  and  tree  branches,  similar 
to  that  in  our  Kamchatka  summer-house  at  Wood  Grange. 
When  finished,  our  summer  palace  presented  an  exceedingly  at- 
tractive  appearance. 

This  beautifying  completed,  Fritz,  as  usual,  had  some  new  plan 
to  suggest.  He  proposed  that  we  should  erect  a  battery  on  the 
heights  of  Shark's  Island,  on  which  to  place  our  four-pounder 
cannon.  This  proposal  cost  me  a  great  deal  of  head-breaking 
thought. 

I  arranged  my  plans  at  last,  and  then  embarked  on  board  the 
yacht  and  sailed  to  the  island.  The  cannon  was  first  lifted  from  ■ 
the  carriage,  and  the  latter  raised,  by  strong  cords,  a  windlass, 
and  pulley,  to  the  top  of  the  rocks.  The  cords,  which  had  many 
knots,  hung  from  the  summit  and  served  as  steps  for  us  to  climb 

[  53^  ] 


ROBINSON 

up.     It  was  a  difficult  task  to  raise  the  cannon  and  place  it  on 
the  wagon,  but  we  succeeded  by  perseverance  at  last. 

It  stood  with  its  mouth  toward  the  ocean,  and  behind  it  was 
built  a  guard-house  of  boards  and  bamboo  canes.  A  tall,  thick 
cane  was  also  placed  near  the  cannon,  with  a  loose  flag,  fastened 
to  rings  by  a  strong  cord,  to  be  drawn  up  and  down  for  the  aid  of 
any  voyagers  of  our  colony  when  out  at  sea  alone.  This  under- 
taking occupied  two  months,  and  there  arose  a  tumult  of  delight 
when  the  flag  was  hoisted  for  the  first  time,  and  a  salute  of  six 
shots,  which  re-echoed  from  rock  to  rock,  was  fired  in  honor  of 
the  occasion. 


TSS  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XXXVII 


AFTER  TEN  YEARS — PEARL  BAY 


31HAPTER  after  chapter  of  this  story  has  been  added 
during  the  years  that  have  rolled  by  since  I  and  my 
family  were  cast,  shipwrecked  and  alone,  on  the  sea- 
girt shores  of  this  island. 

During  the  ten  years  which  have  elapsed  I  have 
endeavored  to  record,  step  by  step,  our  doings,  whether  in  hunt- 
ing, ship-building,  or  making  discoveries  which,  by  intelligence 
and  thought,  could  be  turned  to  account. 

I  am  now  anxious  to  describe  the  result  of  these  exertions,  and 
I  shall  be  satisfied  if  the  design  of  the  book  is  sufficiently  clear  to 
the  young  reader  to  prove  what  the  members  of  a  family  who, 
even  under  trying  circumstances,  live  piously  and  in  harmony 
together,  can  perform  by  industry  and  perseverance.  By  the 
blessing  of  God  on  their  endeavors,  they  are  strengthened  and 
made  successful,  and  fitted  to  become  useful  members  of  society 
and  of  the  community  to  which  they  belong. 

The  story  will  prove  also  how  innumerable  are  the  gifts  of  the 
Creator  as  seen  in  nature,  if  we  search  for  them,  and  that  not 
one  of  these  benefits  can  be  too  trifling  to  be  made  useful  and 
profitable  to  ourselves  by  intelligence,  industry,  and  a  well-ordered 
mind. 

But  instead  of  pausing  in  my  narrative,  as  a  rushing  stream 
suddenly  arrested  in  its  course,  I  will  glance  back,  and  give  a 
short  sketch  of  our  work  and  its  results  during  the  ten  years  that 
we  have  remained  on  the  island. 

Our  boys  have  grown  up,  in  a  certain  sense,  different  in  mind 

[534] 


ROBINSON 

and  person  to  children  accustomed  to  associate  with  others  of 
their  own  age.  Their  physical  powers  have  been  strengthened 
by  labor,  and  their  minds  developed  by  the  excursions  and  dis- 
coveries we  have  made  and  conversed  about. 

Their  knowledge  of  languages  and  literature  has  been  kept  up 
by  reading  and  study  during  the  rainy  seasons,  especially  by 
Ernest,  who  is  of  a  studious  disposition,  and  less  actively  in- 
clined than  his  brothers.  Fritz,  however,  is  the  most  proficient 
in  the  English  language,  which  he  reads  and  speaks  with  great 
correctness.  They  are  all  now  healthy  and  handsome  young 
men. 

Our  dwelling-places,  both  at  Rock  House  and  Falcon's  Nest, 
had,  during  the  last  few  years,  been  much  improved,  and  were 
now  not  only  attractive  in  appearance,  but  convenient  and  health- 
ful. Rock  House  especially  formed  a  capital  warehouse  for  our 
stores,  as  well  as  an  excellent  winter  residence. 

The  greater  part  of  the  year,  however,  we  have  spent  at  Falcon's 
Nest,  for  there  we  had  excellent  shelter  for  our  fowls  and  stalls 
for  the  cattle  and  sheep,  as  well  as  for  the  game  we  wished  to 
preserve  alive.  Here  also  were  the  beehives,  which  supplied  us 
with  honey  in  great  quantities.  But  the  increase  in  the  number 
of  bees,  which  obliged  me  to  form  several  new  hives,  had  attracted 
a  bird  of  beautiful  plumage,  named  the  bee-eater,  and  this  neces- 
sitated the  destruction  of  all  we  caught.  Two,  however,  were 
preserved  to  adorn  our  museum,  which  was  still  a  great  pleasure 
to  us,  especially  on  a  Sunday.  The  contents  of  this  museum  have 
increased  in  number  so  rapidly  that  we  have  been  obliged  to  fit 
up  another  space  in  Rock  House  to  be  entirely  devoted  to  these 
curiosities. 

Rock  House  has  also  been  greatly  beautified  and  improved, 
both  within  and  without.  The  veranda  has  been  extended  by 
two  wings,  one  at  each  side,  and  the  creeping  plants  at  the  foot  of 
each  bamboo  column,  or  support,  have  grown  luxuriously,  and 
now  twine  round  them  even  to  the  roof,  which  they  completely 

[535] 


I 


Ta£  SWISS  FAMILY 

cover,  hanging  down  from  the  eaves  in  a  most  picturesque  man- 
ner, and  forming  a  pleasant  shade. 

Close  to  the  rock,  and  under  one  wing  of  the  veranda,  stands 
the  fountain,  formed  of  the  turtle's  shell,  and,  as  we  often  sit  in 
the  open  air  during  the  evening,  the  splashing  of  the  water,  as  it 
trickles  into  the  fountain,  has  a  very  pleasant  and  cooling  sound. 
Another  fountain,  constructed  from  a  large,  hollow  bamboo  cane, 
has  been  erected  under  the  opposite  wing,  for  the  sake  of  sym- 
metry. This  time  we  were  not  fortunate  enough  to  obtain  a 
large  turtle-shell  for  the  purpose. 

At  the  end  of  each  wing,  the  roof  of  which  covers  the  fountains, 
two  broad  steps  have  been  placed,  and  the  whole  frontage  pre 
sents  the  appearance  of  the  exterior  of  a  house  in  China. 

The  landscape  before  us  is  in  the  highest  degree  romantic  and 
charming,  and  forms  a  striking  contrast  to  the  ridge  of  rugged 
rocks  behind. 

Between  our  dwelling  and  Deliverance  Bay  are  spread  out  in 
order  and  fertility  shrubs  and  trees,  both  European  and  natives  of 
the  soil;  Shark's  Island  is  covered  with  cocoanut-palms  and 
pines.  On  the  strand  a  thick  growth  of  mangrove-trees  resists 
the  advance  of  the  waves. 

Near  the  crest  of  the  rock  on  Shark's  Island  stands  the  guard- 
house, with  its  four-pounder  cannon,  and  its  raised  flag  fluttering 
in  the  air.  In  the  foreground  lies  the  old  duck-pond,  enlarged  by^ 
an  overflow  of  the  sea,  which  has  covered  great  part  of  the  Jackal 
Marsh,  and  now  forms  a  considerable  lake. 

On  its  dark-blue  waters  float  the  majestic  black  swans,  their 
plumage  forming  a  pleasant  contrast  to  the  snow-white  geese  and 
many-colored  ducks,  but  all  in  social  companionship. 

Our  gardens  and  plantations  extend  nearly  to  the  lake,  and  oi; 
the  marshy  ground  round  it,  and  through  the  rushes,  can  be  dis- 
tinguished now  and  then  the  red  crest  of  the  sultan  marsh-fowl, 
the  purple  flamingo,  the  red-tipped  feathers  of  the  stately  herons, 
and  the  Numidian  crane— al!  nssociating  in  perfect  harmony  and 

[536] 


ROBINSON 

quite  domesticated.  Beneath  the  stately  trees  and  shrubberies 
marches  the  ostrich,  quite  at  his  ease.  The  cranes  and  bustards, 
as  usual,  keep  close  to  our  fields,  while  the  beautiful  Canadian  or 
heath-fowl,  and  the  mountain  hen,  can  be  heard  rusding  in  the 
bushes. 

Above  us  fly  the  pigeons  here  and  there,  or,  seated  on  the  roof 
of  the  veranda,  dress  their  beautiful  plumage  before  our  eyes, 
their  soft  cooing  mingling  with  the  sound  of  the  trickling  foun- 
tains. In  fact,  the  region  once  so  wild  and  unfruitful  seems  to 
have  vanished,  and,  as  the  consequence  of  our  industry  and 
perseverance,  its  site  has  become  a  veritable   Paradise  on  earth. 

On  the  shore  of  Jackal  River,  from  the  highest  ground  almost 
to  the  water's  edge,  grow  orange  and  lemon  trees,  Indian  figs, 
and  many  thorn-bearing  shrubs,  so  closely  together  that  it  seems 
impossible  for  even  a  mouse  to  slip  in.  I  had  some  thoughts  once 
of  cutting  a  road  through  this  thicket,  but  in  itself  it  presented 
such  a  bulwark  against  intruders  that  I  considered  it  safer  to 
leave  it. 

The  Spanish  canes  render  the  way  round  the  marsh  equally 
impassable,  and  as  the  drawbridge  is  always  up  as  a  rule,  Rock 
Castle  is  truly  protected  on  all  sides.  At  night  the  stillness  is  so 
great  that  no  sound  can  be  heard  but  the  croaking  of  Jack's  bull- 
frog, which  has  hitherto  escaped  the  jaws  of  the  heron  or  the 
cranes. 

Between  our  dwelling  and  the  Jackal  River  we  had  preserved 
a  little  corner  in  which  to  raise  the  cotton-plant,  and  at  Wood 
Grange  the  cotton-fields  are  very  extensive.  In  fact,  our  kitchen 
gardens,  orchards,  plantations,  corn-fields,  and  shrubberies  were, 
at  the  end  of  ten  years,  as  productive  and  flourishing  as  I  could 
wish. 

We  had  found  some  difficulty  in  keeping  off  thieves  from  the 
corn  and  fruit,  in  the  shape  of  squirrels,  parrots,  and  even  the 
wild  birds  we  had  domesticated;  besides  sparrows,  thrushes, 
field-mice,  and  similar  robbers  by  night.      However,  by  scaring 

[537] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

tlu'iii  at  one  time,  and  a  few  small  shots  at  another,  we  generally 
succeeded  in  saving  our  crops  and  securing  a  plentiful  harvest. 

On  Shark's  Island,  also,  the  rabhits  have  multiplied  amazingly, 
and  they  have  not  only  supplied  us  with  food  from  year  to  year, 
hut  also  with  their  soft  and  useful  fur.  Whale  Island,  though 
almost  as  fruitful  as  Shark's  Island  in  vegetation,  proved  un- 
suitable to  the  antelopes.  Perhaps  the  island  was  too  exposed 
for  these  little  delicate  creatures,  for  they  did  not  thrive  or 
increase  in  number  till  we  removed  them  to  Falcon's  Nest. 

Since  then  I  have  carried  to  Whale  Island  all  our  arrangements 
for  candle-making,  tanning,  cleansing  and  combing  wool,  and  ail 
other  work  that  has  an  offensive  smell.  At  first  our  workshops 
were  in  the  open  air,  now  they  are  all  covered  in  and  roofed. 

Wood  Grange  Farm  is  in  a  flourishing  condition :  we  have  a 
large  number  of  sheep,  goats,  pigs,  and  poultry,  as  well  as  oxen 
and  cows. 

Storm  and  Grumbler  are  still  living,  as  well  as  the  good  old 
cow  from  the  wreck;  but  our  young  cows  now  also  supply  us  with 
milk  and  cream,  and  we  are  provided  with  mutton,  beef,  and  veal 
from  our  own  herds  and  flocks.  Among  the  oxen  and  cows,  how- 
ever, are  some  more  favored  than  others. 

One  of  them  is  a  young  pet  cow  of  such  a  pretty  creamy  white 
that  we  gave  her  the  name  of  Snow,  and  an  ox  with  such  a  tre- 
mendous voice  that  the  boys  call  him  Roarer. 

There  are  also  young  wild  asses  so  fleet  of  foot  that  we  have 
given  them  the  names  of  Arrow  and  Brisk,  and  one  of  Fawn's 
pups  was  honored  by  Jack  with  the  curious  title  of  Cocoa.  The 
boys  will  sometimes,  even  now,  make  it  necessary  for  us  to 
stop  our  ears  as  they  shout,  "Oh!   hallo!   hio!   Cocoa!" 

Hunter,  the  jackal,  has  been  dead  some  time,  and  his  place 
supplied  by  another,  found  in  a  hole  in  the  rock,  as  before,  by 
Frit/.      He  is  not  so  tame  as  Hunter  the  First,  but  quite  as  clever. 

At  Falcon's  Nest,  as  well  as  at  Rock  Castle  and  Wood  Grange, 
the  kitchen  gardens  and  potato-fields    have  flourished  wonder- 

[538] 


ROBINSON 

fully.  The  shoals  of  herrings  have  never  failed  to  visit  us  yearly, 
and  with  our  large  and  increasing  farm  stock  a  supply  of  game 
has  not  been  so  necessary;  the  store  of  guns  and  ammunition, 
therefore,  has  lately  been  seldom  invaded. 

In  fact,  I  found  myself,  at  th«  end  of  ten  years,  the  owner  of 
fields  and  meadows,  orchards  and  plantations,  and  three  different 
residences,  and  as  rich  in  farm  stock  as  a  wealthy  farmer  in  the 
dear  old  country. 

We  had  all  learned  experience  in  our  industry.  My  boys  had 
grown  from  youth  to  manhood,  and  gained  both  mental  and 
physical  strength. 

Fritz,  now  in  his  twenty-fourth  year,  is  of  middle  size,  but  mus- 
cular, high-spirited,  and  rather  hasty. 

I  Ernest,  two  years  younger,  is  tall  and  slight,  cool  and  indolent, 
but  far  superior  to  his  brother  in  intellectual  power  and  refined 
tastes. 

Jack,  at  twenty,  is  nearly  as  tall  as  Fritz,  and  very  like  him  in 
many  respects,  but  of  a  larger  build,  and  possessing  smartness, 
with  activity  of  mind  and  body,  and  great  stability  of  character. 

Frank,  the  youngest,  is  different  in  character  to  all  his  brothers. 
The  influence  of  Jack,  however,  has  been  very  great  over  the 
boy  four  years  younger  than  himself,  and  he  often  exerts  that 
power.  All  of  them  possess  a  candid  straightforwardness  of 
character,  a  respect  and  adherence  to  religious  duties,  and  so 
,many  of  those  good  impulses  which  spring  from  manly  feelings, 
that  I  can  still  easily  influence  them. 

Such  is  our  little  colony  at  the  end  of  ten  years,  during  which 
we  have  seen  no  human  being  excepting  one  another;  yet  we  still 
maintain  the  hopes  of  mixing  once  more  in  the  companionship  of 
man.  If  at  times  I  have  felt  a  sinking  at  the  heart  when  I  con- 
sidered our  isolated  condition,  I  have  concealed  my  trouble  from 
my  dear  ones,  and  turned  my  thoughts  with  a  prayer  to  the 
I  Almighty  that  He  would  keep  me  always  strong  in  my  hope  and 
trust  in  Him. 

[  539  ] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

My  sons,  when  not  employed  in  any  work  on  the  estate,  are 
still  fond  of  making  excursions,  and  are  often  absent  the  whole 
day  in  search  of  new  discoveries.  The  pinnace  and  the  yacht 
have  been  preserved  and  kept  in  good  repair,  and  Fritz's  canoe 
greatly  strengthened  and  improved.  The  pinnace  still  lies  in  the 
dock  I  formed  for  her  in  days  gone  by,  by  damming  up  a  portion 
of  the  river  near  the  Flamingo  Marsh.  We  have  more  than  once 
been  out  to  sea  in  this  pretty  boat — my  wife,  the  four  boys,  and 
myself — and  have  even  ventured  almost  out  of  sight  of  land;  but 
a  recollection  of  the  storm  we  had  once  experienced  made  me 
hesitate  to  take  such  a  voyage  often,  although  we  always  had  the 
compass  on  board. 

Fritz,  as  fearless  as  ever,  often  paddles  his  canoe  to  a  great 
distance;  and  it  is  very  unusual  for  him  to  return  without  having 
made  some  new  discovery,  or  with  a  supply  of  sea-birds,  dead  or 
alive. 

On  one  occasion,  after  paying  a  visit  to  the  Green  Valley,  he 
brought  home  a  large  capture  of  guinea-fowls,  and  the  boys  at 
once  hastened  to  build  an  enclosure  for  them  of  bamboo  canes  of 
such  an  enormous  size  that  it  looked  like  a  large  bird-trap,  with 
a  trellis-work  of  thin  laths  for  a  sloping  roof.  The  birds  were 
attracted  to  this  large  cage  by  throwing  a  quantity  of  seeds  and 
berries  on  the  ground  within  it,  and  after  a  while  they  became  so 
tame  and  reconciled  that  they  would  come  to  our  dinner-table 
for  any  little  titbits  we  liked  to  throw  to  them.  Many  wild  birds 
have  been  brought  alive  by  the  boys  to  these  cages,  and  tamed  in 
the  same  manner  with  very  little  difficulty. 

One  day  very  lately  Fritz  started  early  in  his  canoe,  promising 
to  return  before  nightfall;  but  evening  approached,  and  no  trace 
of  his  boat  could  be  seen  on  the  sea,  even  with  the  telescope. 
Feeling  anxious,  I  and  the  boys  proceeded  at  once  to  the  dock, 
and,  launching  the  yacht,  crossed  to  Shark's  Island,  and  mounted 
the  heights  on  which  our  guard-house  and  cannon  stood.  The 
flag  was  always  hoisted  while  any  of  our  party  was  at  sea  as  a 

[540] 


ROBINSON 

beacon  to  help  them  to  return;  and  after  again  sweeping  the 
horizon  with  my  glass,  and  seeing  no  signs  of  the  canoe,  I  deter- 
mined to  fire  a  signal  from  the  cannon. 

The  report  was  re-echoed  from  the  rocks,  but  for  a  long  time 
no  canoe  was  to  be  seen.  At  last  a  little  black  spot  was  observed 
floating  on  the  water,  and  through  the  telescope  we  discovered  it 
to  be  our  pseudo-Greenlander  in  his  canoe.  He  neared  us  slowly 
and  with  seeming  indiffer- 
ence, as  if  in  no  hurry  to 
reach  the  coast;  therefore 
Ernest,  to  rouse  him,  ex- 
claimed to  Jack,  as  if  he 
were  the  officer  on  guard: 

"Number  One,  fire!" 

Then  we  all  raised  a  joy- 
ful hurrah,  and  descended 
quickly  to  the  strand,  in 
hopes  of  meeting  him  when 
he  reached  it,  that  he  might 
return  with  us  in  the  yacht 
to  Rock  House. 

But  as  Fritz  approached 
the  island   I  understood  in 
a  moment  the  cause  of  his 
slow  movements:  an   enor- 
mous booty  floated,  bound,  at  the  side  of  the  canoe,  and  by  the 
head  of  the  walrus  in  the  bow  lay  a  similar  bundle;   and,  above 
all,  behind  the  boat,  in  the  water,  a  bag  of  considerable  size  was 
being  towed,  which  must  have  greatly  interfered  with  the  rower's 

progress. 

"Welcome,  Fritz,  welcome!"  I  exclaimed  to  the  boy,  who  was 
still  at  some  distance.  "What  news  from  land  and  sea  do  you 
bring  ?  At  all  events,  I  perceive  you  have  brought  a  large  booty, 
and  I  praise  God  that  you  have  returned  safely  at  last." 

[541] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Yes,  I  do  thank  Heaven,"  he  replied,  "that  I  am  home  again 
safe  and  well,  with  all  my  cargo;  besides,  I  have  made  discoveries 
and  met  with  adventures  that  will,  I  know,  be  greatly  appreciated." 

At  home  that  evening,  after  a  little  rest  and  refreshment  to  our 
traveller,  we  all  seated  ourselves  with  great  curiosity  to  hear  an 
account  of  his  adventures. 

"I  must  ask  you  first,  dear  father,"  said  the  young  man,  "to 
pardon  me  for  leaving  this  morning  without  your  knowledge,  but 
I  was  anxious  to  start  early  on  an  excursion  I  have  long  wished 
to  make,  and  I  did  no£  like  to  awaken  you  so  soon.  Besides,  I 
knew  that  my  canoe,  being  light  and  easily  paddled,  would  carry 
me  safely,  even  in  case  of  a  storm.  I  took  with  me  a  supply  of 
provisions  and  a  flask  of  mead,  filled  my  water-skin,  fixed  the 
mariner's  compass  right  before  my  eyes  on  the  deck,  and  then 
bound  a  harpoon  to  the  stern,  supplied  myself  with  a  boat-hook 
and  some  fishing-lines,  but  not  my  best  firearms,  lest  they  should 
get  spoiled  by  the  wet. 

"I  had,  however,  a  couple  of  pistols  in  my  girdle,  and  my  eagle 
was  perched  near  me  on  the  prow,  as  if  watching  for  prey.  It 
was  a  beautiful  morning,  and  the  calm  sea  attracted  me  irresistibly 
to  carry  out  my  plan.  I  stepped  on  board  the  canoe,  and,  seating 
myself,  paddled  quickly  toward  the  current  from  the  Jackal  River, 
which  soon  carried  me  out  to  sea,  while  I  carefully  watched  the 
bearings  of  the  needles  in  the  compass,  that  I  might  know  how  to 
steer  my  way  back  without  failure. 

"As  I  passed  the  spot  where  our  ship  was  wrecked,  I  saw  be- 
neath the  clear  water  a  quantity  of  useful  articles  lying  at  the 
bottom  of  the  sea — cannons,  iron  bars,  and  shot  of  all  sizes — which 
I  really  think  might  be  raised  at  low  water. 

"I  then  turned  my  canoe  in  quite  a  diflPerent  direction  to  any 
we  have  ever  taken  at  sea,  yet  keeping  near  the  coast,  and  con- 
tmued  for  some  distance  under  broken  and  overhanging  rocks. 

"Numerous  sea-birds  of  every  description  flew  screaming  over 
my  head,  or,  perched  on  the  rocks,  seemed  to  watch  my  progress 

[542] 


I 

ROBINSON 

with  suspicion.  A  little  farther  on  a  number  of  marine  animals, 
such  as  seals,  walruses,  and  sea-bears,  were  lying  in  the  clefts  of 
the  rocks,  and  seemed  ready  to  spring  from  them  upon  me,  in 
spite  of  their  enormous  bodies. 

"I  must  own  I  was  glad  to  escape  from  these  wild-looking  creat- 
ures, by  pushing  my  canoe  farther  out  to  sea,  and,  after  rowing 
for  about  an  hour,  entered  a  current  that  led  me  to  a  narrow 
stream  under  arched  rocks,  forming  a  rocky  portal,  which 
Nature,  in  magnificent  grandeur,  had  built,  putting  to  shame  the 
imitations  of  man  in  their  buildings  of  so»-called  Gothic  and  Gre- 
cian architecture. 

"Here  and  there  were  openings  in  the  vaulted  rocky  roof, 
which  raised  itself  to  many  hundred  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea.  In  this  shadowy  retreat  a  most  unusual  number  of  sea-birds, 
which  had  built  their  nests  among  the  rocks,  were  flying  about. 
They  were  scarcely  larger  than  a  wren,  and  their  white  breasts 
contrasted  pleasantly  with  the  light-green  feathers  of  the  wings 
and  the  dark  plumage  of  the  rest  of  the  body. 

"Thousands  of  their  nests  appeared  on  every  side,  and  seemed 
to  be  formed,  not  very  skilfully,  however,  of  feathers  and  thisde- 
down.  Strange  to  say,  each  of  these  nests  rested  upon  a  kind  of 
support  resembling  a  spoon  without  a  handle. 

"  I  separated  one  of  the  empty  nests  carefully  from  the  rock, 
and  discovered  that  the  interior  was  constructed  of  dry  moss, 
mixed  with  a  substance  something  like  fish  glue,  which  fixes  it  to 
the  rocks,  and  I  have  brought  it  home  in  my  fishing-tackle  bag 
for  you  to  examine." 

"From  your  description,  Fritz,  I  should  imagine  that  this  nest 
belongs  to  a  bird  named  the  sea-swallow.  The  Chinese  consider 
it  a  great  delicacy  for  their  table,  and  it  forms  a  valuable  article 
of  commerce  in  China.  I  think,  dear  wife,  we  might  make  a 
trial  of  this  nest  if  you  will  cook  it  for  us  to  taste;  the  nests  would 
be  a  great  addition  to  our  storehouse,  if  it  proves  edible,  as  there 
are  so  many." 

[  543  ] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Well,"  said  the  mother,  "my  knowledge  of  cooking  is  cer- 
tainly sufficient  to  make  a  jelly  of  a  bird's  nest,  if  the  thing  is 
possible;    it  must,  however,  be  first  washed  and  cleaned." 

"Oh  yes,  mother!"  was  the  reply;  "we  will  do  that  if  only  you 
will  give  us  the  pleasure  of  tasting  it  this  evening." 

"Father,"  said  Fritz,  "where  can  these  sea-swallows  obtain 
the  gelatinous  stuff  to  fix  their  nests  on  such  curious  supports  ?" 

" It  is  not  correctly  known,"  I  replied;  "but  it  is  said  that  these 
birds  obtain  it  from  the  foam  of  the  sea,  which  they  carry  in  their 
beaks  and  spread  upon  the  clefts  in  the  rock  in  which  they  desire 
to  fasten  their  nests.  But  go  on  with  your  adventures,  my  boy," 
I  added;  "I  am  curious  to  know  what  other  discoveries  you  have 
made." 

"On  leaving  the  rocky  vault,  which  extended  for  some  dis- 
tance," continued  Fritz,  "I  entered  the  waters  of  a  magnificent 
bay,  the  shore  of  which  appeared  in  the  highest  state  of  fertility, 
and  stretched  far  away  inland.  Beyond  rose  high,  steep  rocks, 
over  which  the  waters  dashed.  Behind  this  rocky  wall  the  ground 
had  a  marshy  appearance,  but  a  vast  chain  of  cliffs  shut  out  the 
view. 

"  While  my  little  skiff  floated  swiftly  over  the  clear,  transparent 
waters,  I  noticed  a  quantity  of  shell-fish  of  the  bivalve  or  double- 
shell  kind,  similar  to  the  oyster,  lying  at  the  bottom  of  the  sea. 
They  appeared  to  be  tied  together  and  fastened  to  the  underlying 
rocks  by  filaments  or  hair-like  threads.  I  imagined  these  fish 
must  be  as  wholesome  food  as  oysters,  so  I  fished  up  a  few  with 
my  boat-hook,  and,  being  near,  I  threw  them  on  shore,  intending 
on  my  way  back  to  place  them  in  a  bag  tied  to  the  side  of  the  canoe, 
and,  by  keeping  it  half  in  the  water,  preserve  them  fresh. 

"  But  when  I  reached  the  spot  on  my  return  I  found  that  the 
heat  of  the  sun  had  opened  the  shells,  and  that  the  contents  were 
unfit  for  food.  I  then  fished  up  about  a  bushel  more,  and  these 
I  have  brought  home,  not  because  I  think  they  are  fit  to  eat,  but 
on  account  of  the  little  seeds  which  I  found  in  the  flesh  when  I 

[544] 


ROBINSON 

attempted  to  eat  one.  Some  of  these  seeds  are  about  the  size  of 
a  hazelnut,  and  just  like  pearls.  I  have  brought  home  a  large 
number  in  my  bamboo  box." 

"Show  them  to  me,  Fritz,"  I  said,  hastily;  and  as  he  placed 
them  in  my  hand 
I  saw  in  a  mo- 
ment that  they 
were  shining, 
beautiful  pearls. 

"You  have 
made  a  valuable 
discovery,"  I  con- 
tinued  ;  "these 
pearls  are  worth 
a  large  sum;  and 
yet  here  they  are 
as  useless,  as  re- 
gards profit,  as 
the  doubloons  in  the  captain's  sea-chest.  However,  take  care  of 
them,  my  son ;   they  may  be  of  use  some  day." 

"I  ate  my  dinner  after  this  discovery  without  the  oysters," 
continued  Fritz,  "and  then  started  on  my  return  home,  only 
pausing  once  to  fill  my  skin  with  sweet  fresh  water  from  a  spring, 
after  having  taken  a  refreshing  draught. 

"  I  noticed  many  sea-birds  of  diff"erent  kinds  after  leaving  Pearl 
Bay,  as  I  must  now  call  it;  and  before  reaching  the  current  which 
led  into  the  open  sea,  an  albatross,  frigate-birds,  sea-gulls,  and 
wild  ducks  flew  and  fluttered  impudently  around  me. 

"I  managed  to  knock  down  one  or  two  of  the  largest  birds,  and 
to  shoot  others;  but  I  had  some  difficulty  in  conquering  the 
albatross,  who  was  only  slightly  wounded  in  the  wing.  He  kicked 
with  his  feet  and  struggled  so  violently  that  I  expected  he  would 
escape. 

"At  last  I  bound  his  legs  and  wings,  and  continued  my  home- 

[545] 


Il 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

ward  journey.  It  certainly  was  a  great  relief  when  I  arrived  in 
familiar  waters,  and  saw  the  welcome  flag  flying  from  the  top  of 
the  rock." 

Here  ended,  as  I  supposed,  Fritz's  narrative;  but  when  he  left 
me  to  attend  carefully  to  the  wounded  bird,  and  make  him  com- 
fortable for  the  night,  I  could  not  quite  understand  the  reason  of 
so  much  anxiety  on  his  part  respecting  this  bird's  fate.  I  dis- 
covered the  cause,  however,  before  retiring  to  rest. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII 

THE    MYSTERIOUS   MESSAGE— THE    LIONS 

|FTER  attending  to  the  albatross,  Fritz  left  his 
mother  and  his  brothers  busily  engaged  in  look- 
ing at  the  birds  he  had  brought  home.  Passing 
me  in  the  veranda,  he,  by  a  secret  glance  and 
a  signal,  made  me  understand  that  he  wished  to 
speak  with  me  privately. 

I  followed  immediately,  and  joined  him  at  a  little  distance. 

"Father,"  he  said,  as  soon  as  we  were  alone,  "I  must  take  care 
of  that  wounded  albatross;  I  did  not  tell  you  all  just  now.  While 
the  poor  bird  was  struggling  to  escape,  I  saw  wrapped  round  its 
leg  a  piece  of  white  linen,  and  after  I  had  secured  him  I  took  it 
off,  and  found  written  on  it  in  English,  quite  distinctly,  the  fol- 
lowing words:  *  Who  will  rescue  an  unfortimate  English  girl  from 
a  cave  in  the  lonely  rocks  near  to  a  volcano  f" 

The  reading  of  these  words  caused  me  a  kind  of  electric  shock. 
I  read  them  over  two  or  three  times.     At  last  I  said: 

"  Fritz,  can  it  be  true  ?  A  poor  young  creature  alone  on  a 
desert  isle!  Great  God!  what  has  she  to  live  upon  .?  And  how 
did  she  get  there  ?     Fritz,  this  troubles  me  greatly." 

"Perhaps,  father,  I  could  send  a  message  back  by  the  alba- 
tross," said  Fritz.     "  I  think  he  will  be  able  to  fly  in  a  day  or  two." 

"Very  well,"  I  replied;  "but  not  a  word  of  this  to  the  rest; 
it  would  make  your  mother  anxious,  and  you  are  not  sure  of 
being  able  to  find  this  poor  lost  one.  I  must,  however,  arrange 
for  you  to  be  able  to  go  on  a  voyage  of  discovery  without  exciting 
any  suspicion." 

[547] 


TH£  SWISS  FAMILY 

Fritz  readily  agreed  to  this,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  third 
day  after  receiving  the  message,  he  wrote  on  another  piece  of  rag 
these  words:   ''Trust  in  God.     No  doubt  help  is  at  hand." 

This  message  Fritz  tied  on  one  of  the  legs  of  the  albatross,  and 
the  rag  with  the  message  he  had  received  on  the  other.  Then 
taking  the  bird  down  to  the  beach,  he  loosed  his  bonds  and  set 
him  free.  For  a  few  moments  the  creature  stood  as  if  stupefied, 
and  then  suddenly  rose  in  the  air,  and  although  he  moved  his  wing 
with  difficulty,  soon  disappeared,  to  the  great  joy  of  Fritz. 

During  that  day  I  took  the  first  opportunity^,  when  we  were  all 
seated  together  in  the  veranda,  to  remark,  in  a  very  grave  tone: 

"  I  have  been  thinking,  dear  wife,  that  our  eldest  son  Fritz  is 
now  of  an  age  to  be  dependent  on  himself.  I  shall,  therefore, 
from  this  time  leave  him  free  to  act  according  to  his  own  judg- 
ment, and  to  take  any  excursions  or  voyages  alone  which  he  con- 
siders necessary,  without  asking  permission.  Of  course,  if  he 
asks  my  advice,  I  shall  be  ready  to  give  it." 

Fritz  appeared  overcome  by  my  confidence  in  him,  while  his 
mother,  feeling  proud  of  her  son,  rose,  and,  putting  her  arms  round 
him,  kissed  him  affectionately,  and  exclaimed,  with  tears  in  her 
eyes:  "God  bless  and  preserve  thee,  my  son!"  Then,  to  conceal 
her  emotion,  she  hastened  away  to  prepare  the  evening  meal. 

The  boys,  or  young  men  as  I  should  now  call  them,  were  a 
little  surprised  at  my  remarks  about  Fritz;  but,  light-hearted  as 
ever,  they  ran  to  their  mother  to  beg  her  to  prepare  some  oysters 
for  supper  in  the  shell.  Frank,  however,  could  not  wait,  and 
tried  to  open  two  or  three  with  his  knife.  He  succeeded  with 
two,  and  found  within  them  three  large  and  three  small  pearls, 
which  appeared  so  beautiful  that  a  new  idea  struck  the  boys. 

"  If  we  could  make  an  oyster-bed  in  Deliverance  Bay,"  said 
Ernest,  "we  could  have  pearls  by  bushels." 

"You  might  have  pearls,"  I  said,  "but  not  oysters  fit  for  food. 
This  beautiful  pearl  is  only  formed  in  the  flesh  of  an.oyster  when 
it  is  diseased,  or  after  the  shell  has  been  injured." 

[  548  ] 


ROBINSON 


HE    LOOSED    HTS    BONDS 
AND      SET      HIM     FREE 


ROB  I  N  S  O  N 

This  information  slightly  damped  the  ardor  of  my  young  peo- 
ple, yet  they  still  determined  that  on  the  first  opportunity  Fritz 
should  take  us  to  Pearl  Bay,  that  we  might  obtain  a  store  of 
oysters  for  our  new  oyster-bed. 

With  this  excursion  in  prospect,  Ernest  also  constructed  a  kind 
of  scoop  and  a  cutting-machine,  to  remove  the  empty  nests  of 
the  sea-swallows,  of  which  such  beautiful  jelly  could  be  made. 
In  the  mean  time  Fritz  worked  zealously  but  silently  in  making 
space  in  his  canoe  for  another  seat,  which  revealed  to  me  the  fact 
that  he  was  encouraging  hopes  in  his  heart  which  might  never  be 
realized. 

His  brothers  very  naturally  imagined  that  Fritz  was  trying  to 
make  his  canoe  suitable  to  accommodate  one  of  them  as  well  as 
himself,  and  he  did  not  undeceive  them. 

We  now  began  to  prepare  for  an  excursion  to  Pearl  Bay  and  the 
other  places  discovered  by  Fritz  on  his  last  voyage,  and  a  very 
rich  store  of  provisions  we  packed  up  for  our  journey.  Fresh 
pemmican,  cassava  cakes,  pastry  from  wheaten  flour,  nuts, 
almonds,  and  a  cask  of  mead  as  a  refreshing  drink — all  these 
were  stowed  away  in  our  yacht. 

We  embarked  at  last  on  a  day  when  the  wind  was  in  our  favor 
and  the  tide  served,  and  encouraged  by  the  good  wishes  of  the 
mother  and  Frank,  who  remained  at  home.  We  were  accom- 
panied by  Master  Nip  the  Second,  Nip  the  First  having  been  dead 
for  some  years,  as  well  as  poor  old  Turk.  Floss,  who  was  still 
brave  in  her  old  age,  was  not  left  behind,  while  Brownie  and 
Fawn  gladly  joined  us  on  board. 

Fritz  took  the  lead  in  his  canoe  to  show  us  the  way,  and  Jack, 
who  wished  to  be  pilot,  occupied  the  seat  in  the  canoe  which  Fritz 
had  prepared  for  another  purpose.  Following  in  his  track,  I 
determined  to  hoist  a  sail  till  we  reached  more  peaceful  waters. 

The  various  points  touched  by  Fritz  were  pointed  out  by  him 
as  we  sailed  along  in  the  track  of  the  canoe.  The  sea  was  calm 
and  smooth,  and  as  transparent  as  a  looking-glass.     The  nautilus 

[551] 


T!l£  SWISS  FAMILY 

passed  us  in  full  sail.  We  saw  the  shell-fish  beneath  the  clear, 
transparent  water,  and  numbers  of  sea-birds  were  skimming  its 
surface  with  rapid  wing.  As  we  passed  this  spot,  we  gave  it  the 
name  of  Nautilus  Bay. 

At  length  we  approached  the  grand  portal  to  the  stream  which 
ran  beneath  vaulted  rocks,  and  were  astonished  at  the  rugged 
grandeur  of  the  spot.  The  majestic  beauty  of  these  arched  rocks 
struck  me  with  awe.  The  great  Master  Builder  had  here  formed 
one  of  nature's  temples  far  exceeding  in  beauty  and  elegance  the 
most  stately  cathedral  ever  erected  by  man. 

The  sea-swallows,  however,  diverted  our  attention  from  the 
wonders  of  nature,  and  Ernest  and  Jack  begged  me  to  allow  them 
to  land  upon  the  rocks,  and  cut  down  as  many  of  these  succulent 
nests  as  they  could  find  empty. 

The  passage  beneath  these  vaulted  rocks  was  very  pleasant,  till 
on  arriving  in  the  broad,  beautiful  bay  to  which  Fritz  had  given 
the  name  of  Pearl  Bay,  I  decided  to  stay  all  night  and  sleep  on 
board  the  yacht. 

A  fire  was  lighted  on  the  shore,  and  we  cast  anchor  at  a  little 
distance.  The  dogs  remained  near  the  fire,  and  Fritz,  after 
mooring  his  canoe  alongside  the  yacht,  came  on  board  for  the 
night. 

We  slept  peacefully,  except  when  disturbed  by  the  bowlings  of 
the  jackals  on  shore,  which  not  only  provoked  the  dogs  to  bark, 
but  also  induced  the  jackal,  Hunter,  to  join  in  the  howls. 

At  break  of  day  we  were  all  on  the  move,  and  after  a  hearty 
breakfast  continued  our  voyage,  Fritz  still  leading  the  way  in  his 
canoe.  During  this  day  we  managed  to  secure  a  large  store  of 
oysters,  and  I  also  found  on  the  shore  a  kind  of  vegetable  kali  or 
soda,  and  collected  a  quantity  to  carrj  on  board,  as  I  well  knew 
it  would  be  useful. 

On  arriving  at  the  point  to  which  Fritz  had  extended  his  ex- 
ploring excursion,  the  young  man  came  on  board  while  his 
brothers  were  absent,  and  said: 

[552] 


ROBINSON 

"  Father,  do  you  think  you  can  find  your  way  back  without  my 
assistance  ?     You  know  why  I  ask." 

"Of  course  I  do,  my  son.  I  quite  understand  your  anxiety  to 
discover  the  volcanic  island  spoken  of  in  that  mysterious  mes- 
sage. Have  you  sufficient  provisions  on  board,  for  you  must  not 
go  home  to  alarm  your  mother  ?" 

"No,  father,  I  will  not  do  that.  I  have  enough  provisions,  and 
I  hope  to  discover  the  volcanic  island,  after  all.  1  shall,  therefore, 
turn  back  to-morrow  before  you  and  my  brothers  are  up;  you 
can  easily  tell  them,  when  they  miss  me,  that  I  am  acting  inde- 
pendently in  thus  leaving  you,  as  you  informed  them  I  was  at 
liberty  to  do." 

But  Fritz  was  not  to  leave  us  next  morning  as  he  wished,  owing 
to  the  appearance  of  a  very  unpleasant  visitor  in  the  evening  twi- 
light. We  had  been  preparing  our  supper  on  the  shore,  and  Fritz 
was  still  in  his  canoe,  making  arrangements  for  an  early  start  in 
the  morning. 

Fortunately  our  watch-fires  were  already  lighted  for  the  night; 
yet  that  did  not  prevent  us  from  hearing  a  most  fearful  yet  deep, 
low  roar  that  echoed  among  the  rocks  like  thunder.  I  could 
imagine  nothing  less  than  the  approach  of  leopards  or  panthers, 
yet  while  the  sound  sent  a  thrill  of  terror  through  the  veins,  I  did 
not  imagine  anything  so  dreadful  as  the  presence  of  a  lion. 

But  we  were  not  long  in  suspense.  A  huge  beast  approached 
at  three  bounds,  but  was  stopped  by  a  stream  which  flowed  be- 
tween the  shore  and  the  inland  country.  I  saw  in  a  moment  that 
it  was  an  enormous  lion,  such  as  are  exhibited  in  menageries  in 
Europe.  At  finding  this  stop  to  his  progress,  the  creature  seated 
himself  on  his  haunches  Hke  a  cat,  and  glared  at  us  with  his  fierce 
eyes.  At  the  first  sound  of  his  awful  voice,  the  dogs  and  Nip  had 
slunk  away  to  the  space  in  front  of  the  fire,  which  concealed  them 
from  the  enemy;  and  for  myself,  I  seemed  almost  paralyzed,  and 
unable  to  recover  my  presence  of  mind.  Presently  the  lion  rose 
on  his  four  legs,  and  began  pacing  up  and  down,  as  if  searching 

[553] 


TSS  SWISS  FAMILY 

for  a  convenient  place  to  spring   across  the  stream,  lashing  his 
tail  while  he  walked  with  angry  impatience. 

Again  the  deep,  low  growl  sounded  in  our  ears,  as  the  animal 
stooped  to  quench  his  thirst  in  the   running  stream;    and  after 

again   wandering 
backward     and     for- 
ward without  finding 
a  spot  narrow  enough 
for   him  to   spring 
over,  he  laid  himself 
down  on  his  stomach, 
and,  lashing   his  tail 
in   a   rage,  glared  at 
us  with  flaming  eyes. 
But  before  I  could 
decide  whether  it  was 
best  to  fire  or  to  re- 
turn to  our  boat,  the  sound  of  a  shot  passing  through  the  air  in  the 
growing  darkness  so  startled  us  that  Ernest  exclaimed,  in  terror: 
"Father,  Fritz  has  fired  from  his  canoe!" 

At  the  same  moment  the  lion  sprang  into  the  air,  gave  an  awful 
roar  or  groan,  stood  still  for  a  few  seconds,  staggered,  fell  on  his 
knees,  and  remained  without  movement. 

"  We  are  saved!"  I  cried,  as  we  rushed  back  to  the  boat.  "The 
lion  is  shot  to  the  heart!  He  will  not  move  again,  thanks  to  Fritz! 
Remain  in  the  boat,  boys,  while  I  go  to  assist  him;  he  may  still 
be  in  danger." 

I  sprang  again  on  shore  in  shallow  water,  and  the  dogs  met  me 
with  joyful  movements  expressive  of  their  relief  from  the  fear  of 
danger;  but  these  gambols  were  soon  at  an  end.  As  I  approached 
the  spot  where  the  dead  lion  lay,  a  second,  smaller,  but  not  less 
formidable  beast  came  from  the  wood,  and,  with  one  bound, 
alighted  opposite  the  spot  we  had  left  to  return  to  the  boat. 
It  was  evidently  the  lioness,  in  search  of  her  royal  mate,  and 

[554] 


ROBINSON 

well  for  us  that  they  had  not  been  together  at  first.  In  a  very 
short  time  she  reached  the  place  where  the  monarch  of  the  forest 
lay.  She  felt  him  first  with  her  paw,  sniffed  round  the  spot,  licked 
his  bleeding  wounds,  and  then,  gnashing  her  teeth,  uttered  a  howl 
of  distress  that  echoed  horribly  through  the  night  air. 

Puff!  another  shot,  and  the  lioness  uttered  a  cry  of  pain.  She 
had  been  wounded  in  the  right  foot,  but  she  was  still  dangerous. 
I  also  fired  my  shot,  breaking  her  jaw,  and  causing  her  to  fall  and 
utter  howls  of  pain  and  rage. 

Our  dogs  now  took  courage,  and  rushed  upon  the  prostrate 
animal.  Then  followed  a  scene  of  fearful  warfare  too  horrible  to 
describe.  The  darkness  of  night,  the  growls  of  the  lioness,  the 
howls  of  the  wounded  dogs,  I  can  never  forget.  I  remained  for  a 
moment  too  overcome  to  fire  a  second  shot,  and  in  that  moment 
the  monster,  with  one  stroke  of  her  uninjured  paw,  crushed  out 
the  life  of  poor  Floss,  who  had  seized  her  by  the  throat.  Too 
late  to  save  her  was  the  second  shot  of  Fritz;  too  late  when  I  was 
able  to  venture  near  and  thrust  my  hunting-knife  into  the  breast 
of  the  lioness;  too  late  when  Fritz  reached  the  battle-field.  The 
terrible  beast  was  dead,  but  it  had  cost  us  the  life  of  one  of  our 
dear  old  brave  champions. 

With  cries  of  joy  we  called  Ernest  and  Jack  from  the  boat  to  take 
part  in  the  triumph.  They  came  hastily,  and,  with  tears  of  satisfac- 
tion, threw  themselves  into  our  arms,  for  they  had  suffered  painful 
anxiety  on  our  account.  The  watch-fires  were  again  replenished, 
and  we  returned  with  lighted  torches  to  examine  the  battle-field, 
and  remove,  with  great  regret,  the  body  of  our  brave  Floss. 

To  our  horror,  we  found  that  the  jaws,  as  is  usual  with  bull- 
dogs, had  closed  convulsively  on  the  throat  of  the  lioness,  even 
in  death.  We,  however,  removed  the  poor  animal;  and  Fritz  and 
his  brothers,  having  dug  a  deep  grave,  burled  our  faithful  Floss, 
not  without  a  few  tears  from  her  young  masters,  of  which,  how- 
ever, they  were  not  ashamed. 

Ernest  was  requested   to  write    an  epitaph  on  our  old  com- 

[555] 


TME  SWISS  FAMILY 

panion,  which  he  promised  to  do  on  the  following  day,  but  this 
time  in  prose,  not  rhyme. 

1  examined  the  wounds  of  Brownie  and  Fawn;  and  as  they 
were  not  dangerous,  I  anointed  them  with  a  little  oil,  and,  leaving 
them  plenty  of  water  to  drink,  they  laid  themselves  down  to  rest 
near  the  watch-fires.  I  and  my  boys,  after  taking  some  wine, 
which  we  so  truly  needed,  followed  the  example  of  the  animals, 
and  rested  in  peace  till  morning. 

We  did  not  rise  till  late;  and,  after  a  substantial  breakfast,  for 
we  were  very  hungry,  I  decided  that  we  would  not  remain  any 
longer  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  forest,  but  proceed  farther  up 
the  bay,  to  the  spot  described  by  Fritz  as  being  fertile  and  as 
verdant  as  the  Green  Valley. 

Fritz,  who  had  promised  me  that  he  would  put  off  his  visit  to 
the  volcanic  island  till  the  morrow,  led  the  way,  and  paddled  in 
advance  of  us,  the  movement  of  our  yacht  in  the  calm,  still  water 
having  a  soothing  influence  after  the  fearful  disturbance  of  the 
previous  night. 

I  noticed,  as  we  sailed  along  the  coast,  the  entrance  to  a  little 
river,  which  flowed  between  a  charming  country  and  the  out- 
skirts of  the  forest. 

We  entered  this  river,  and,  proceeding  for  a  short  distance  in- 
land, anchored,  thoughtlessly,  on  the  banks  which  bordered  the 
forest. 

Ernest  and  Jack  immediately  decided  to  land  and  explore  the 
country,  Fritz  remaining  with  me  on  the  boat.  The  two  dogs,  in 
spite  of  their  battle  on  the  preceding  night,  readily  followed  the 
young  men,  and  the  jackal,  who  had  kept  at  a  respectful  distance 
from  the  lions,  hastily  joined  them. 

We  were  conversing  on  the  subject  always  uppermost,  as  I 
afterward  discovered,  in  the  mind  of  Fritz — on  the  possibility  of 
rescuing  the  English  girl  who  had  sent  the  message. 

"Perhaps  she  has  no  food  or  water!"  exclaimed  Fritz;  "and 
in  that  case  the  delay  of  even  a  day  is  dangerous." 

[  556  ] 


ROBINSON 

"She  does  not  say  that  she  is  starving  in  the  message,"  I  re- 
plied; "yet  I  almost  regret  that  you  did  not  go  at  once  instead 
of  accompanying  us  on  this  voyage.  The  fact  is,  I  feared  to 
allow  you  to  venture  on  such  an  uncertain  expedition  as  the 
discovery  of  a  volcanic  mountain.  It  must  be  at  a  great  distance, 
for  we  have  seen  no  signs  of  even  smoke  from  the  highest  points 
of  our  island." 

Fritz  did  not  tell  me  then,  but  I  found  out  afterward,  that  he 
had  made  more  than  one  short  trip  in  various  directions,  with  the 
hope  of  discovering  even  the  smoke  from  a  mountain-top,  but 
without  success. 

My  two  sons  had  not  been  absent  an  hour  when  we  were  much 
startled  at  hearing  a  gun  fired  on  shore,  and  the  report  followed 
by  a  great  cry  and  a  second  shot. 

Fritz,  without  a  word,  seized  his  gun,  sprang  on  shore,  and 
rushed  hastily  to  the  spot,  from  which  now  sounded  the  fierce 
barking  of  the  dogs  and  the  yells  of  the  jackal.  I  followed  him 
quickly,  and  as  we  drew  near  another  shot  whizzed  by;  and  pres- 
ently the  words  "Victory!  victory!"  resounded  through  the  air 
in  joyful  tones. 

Fritz  was  more  rapid  in  his  movements;  and  when  I  at  last 
overtook  him,  I  was  alarmed  at  seeing  him,  with  Ernest,  support- 
ing his  brother  Jack,  who,  pale  and  trembling,  seemed  ready  to 
fall. 

"My  dear  boy,"  1  exclaimed,  "what  has  happened?  Where 
are  you  injured  ?" 

"  I  do  not  know,"  he  replied,  his  teeth  chattering  as  he  spoke. 
"Some  monster  attacked  me,  and  I  thought  it  was  another  lion." 

"I  believe  Jack  is  not  really  hurt,  father,"  said  Ernest;  "but 
we  have  had  an  encounter  with  a  wild  boar — an  enormous  beast 
— with  tusks  at  least  six  inches  long.  He  was  digging  in  the  soil, 
and  when  the  dogs  attacked  him,  he  rushed  at  poor  Jack  and 
knocked  him  down;  you  know  he  is  always  so  daring  in  danger, 
and  he  went  too  close.     My  first  shot  disabled  him,  and  enabled 

[557] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Jack  to  get  up,  and  the  dogs,  with  the  jackal  and  my  second  shot, 
followed  by  one  from  Fritz,  completed  the  victory." 

"I  hope  you  are  not  really  injured  by  the  horrid  beast,"  I  said, 
as  I  examined  his  chest  and  his  arms;  and,  finding  no  external 
injury,  I  continued:  "You  have  had  a  serious  shock-,  my  boy, 
nothing  more,  I  feel  convinced;  yet  to  be  thrown  down  by  such 
a  creature  is  enough  to  shake  the  strongest  nerves,  especially  after 
what  occurred  last  night,  and  I  thank  God  that  you  have  escaped 
more  terrible  danger." 

I  then  gave  the  trembling  patient  a  glass  of  canary  sack,  a  flask 
of  which  I  had  fortunately  brought  with  me,  and,  leading  him  to 
our  little  cabin  on  board  the  yacht,  told  him  to  lie  down,  as  I 
hoped  a  little  refreshing  sleep  would  calm  his  nerves. 

"Father,"  said  Ernest,  when  I  returned  to  examine  the  large 
booty  he  had  secured,  "this  animal  has  made  a  discovery  for  us. 
He  was  digging  for  truffles,  and  there  are  quantities  of  them  here. 
I  thought  at  first  they  were  potatoes;  I  have  a  few  here  to  show 
you.  Master  Nip  dug  them  up  also,  and  ate  a  large  quantity 
before  I  could  stop  him." 

"This  is  a  splendid  discovery,  Ernest,"  I  said,  after  examining 
the  tubular  root;  "and,  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  they  are  of  the  best 
species.  You  must  obtain  a  supply  to  carry  home  to  your 
mother." 

The  boys  tasted  these  roots,  and  pronounced  them  similar  to 
the  common  potato  when  raw,  and  not  very  palatable. 

"They  are  not  generally  cooked  like  potatoes,"  I  replied,  "but 
are  cut  open  and  dried  before  they  are  used,  in  Europe." 

"Are  they  found  in  all  European  countries?"  asked  Fritz. 

"Sometimes  in  oak  forests,  but  the  largest  quantities  grow  in 
France;  they  are  considered  a  great  addition  to  sauces  and  stews 
at  the  tables  of  the  rich  in  that  country." 

"  Do  they  bear  a  flower,  or  have  they  a  stem  by  which  they  can 
be  recognized  ?"  asked  Fritz. 

"No;  nothing  appears  above-ground,  but  their  position  is  dis- 

[558] 


ROBINSON 

covered  by  the  odor,  which  is  very  powerful.  To  obtain  a  store 
for  your  mother  you  must  take  the  dogs  with  you;  they  will  find 
out  the  whereabouts  of  these  roots.  But  now  let  us  see  what  is  to 
be  done  with  the  monster  which  has  caused  us  so  much  alarm;  it 
must  not  be  left  here  for  the  dogs  and  the  jackal  to  devour." 

I  made  this  remark  because  I  could  see  that  Fritz  was  anxious 
to  assist  with  the  preparation  of  the  boar,  and  therefore  unwilling 
to  leave  it  till  the  next  day. 

"Well,"  exclaimed  Fritz,  as  we  advanced  closer  to  the  mon- 
strous animal,  "this  will  be  a  good  opportunity  to  replace  our 
Westphalia  hams;  the  haunches  of  this  creature  will  be  of  an 
enormous  size." 

The  preparation  of  the  boar,  the  removal  of  the  skin,  and  the 
cutting  up  of  the  body  into  joints  occupied  nearly  the  whole  day. 

Ernest  requested  that  the  head  should  be  dried  whole  and  pre- 
served for  our  museum,  to  which  I  readily  consented.  The  dogs 
and  the  jackal  were  feasted  with  the  refuse.  They  were,  how- 
ever, employed  by  Ernest  to  discover  the  truffles,  and  obtained 
quite  as  many  as  he  wished. 

Fritz  broke  off  large  branches  from  the  trees,  which  he  inter- 
laced one  with  the  other  to  form  sledges,  by  which  to  carry  our 
booty  to  the  shore.  In  loading  them  I  noticed  among  the  truffles 
some  roots  of  a  different  shape  and  color.  On  opening  one  I 
found  it  contained  a  ball  of  yellowish  wool,  which  I  knew  was  the 
produce  of  a  tree  growing  in  Nankin,  a  country  of  China,  and 
much  used  in  Europe  for  the  manufacture  of  a  material  for  dresses 
both  of  men  and  women.' 

I  was  greatly  pleased  with  this  discovery,  as  I  knew  my  wife 
would  be  glad  of  the  wool,  to  spin  into  thread  and  weave  into  a 
material  so  usefully  cool  for  our  dresses  and  her  own. 

The  dogs  drew  two  of  the  tree  sledges,  and  Fritz  and  Ernest 
the  others,  so  that  we  reached  the  shore  with  our  booty  and  car- 

'  Called  Nankeen  in  England,  and  very  fashionable  at  the  time  this  story  was 
written,  but  now  out  of  date  and  almost  forgotten. 

(559] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

ried  it  on  board  without  any  accident.  Jack  assisted  in  this  work, 
for  although  he  still  looked  pale  and  shaken,  his  long  sleep  had 
refreshed  him. 

After  our  work  was  finished,  we  again  stepped  on  shore,  and 
lighted  a  fire  between  stones,  as  usual,  to  cook  our  supper.  As 
soon  as  it  was  clear  and  glowing,  we  placed  potatoes  in  the  hot 
ashes  and  some  slices  of  the  boar's  ham  on  the  stones.  I  was  glad 
to  observe  that  Jack  enjoyed  his  supper  of  fried  ham  and  baked 
potatoes  as  greatly  as  the  rest  of  us. 

Next  morning  I  decided  to  start  early  on  the  homeward  voyage, 
for  the  flesh  of  the  wild  boar  required  to  be  salted  and  smoked 
as  quickly  as  possible.  Besides,  we  had  been  absent  four  days, 
and  I  knew^  the  mother  would  be  anxious. 

Another  reason  for  this  return  presented  itself.  I  was  unwill- 
ing to  hinder  Fritz  from  attempting  the  discovery  of  the  writer 
of  the  message,  although  I  looked  upon  it  as  a  wild  scheme,  and 
likely  to  fail.  However,  the  yacht  and  the  canoe  could  easily 
start  together,  and  by  degrees  we  should  lose  sight  of  Fritz,  with- 
out causing  any  surprise  to  his  brothers. 

We  sailed,  therefore,  next  morning  at  an  early  hour,  and  ar- 
rived, happily  without  accident,  in  Deliverance  Bay,  to  the  great 
joy  of  the  mother  and  Frank,  but  the  absence  of  Fritz  I  could  see 
caused  my  wife  some  little  uneasiness.  Part  of  our  adventures 
were  hastily  related,  but  we  were  so  overcome  with  fatigue  that 
fuller  particulars  were  deferred  till  the  next  day. 


ROBINSON 


CHAPTER  XXXIX 


THE    SEARCH    FOR   FRITZ — A   VISITOR 

UR  adventures  proved  deeply  interesting  to  tiie 
mother  and  Frank,  but  created  some  litde  anxiety  in 
the  mind  of  my  w'lk  respecting  the  dangers  we  still 
incurred  in  these  voyages  and  excursions.  Our  de- 
scription of  the  battle  with  the  lioness,  and  the  near 
approach  of  the  lion,  his  glaring  eyes,  and  his  frightful  roar, 
filled  her  with  apprehension.  The  account  of  Jack's  danger, 
when  attacked  and  thrown  down  by  the  wild  boar,  made  her 
tremble;  and  she  could  scarcely  be  induced  to  believe  that  he  was 
uninjured,  especially  as  he  still  looked  pale. 

Frank  mourned  over  the  death  of  poor  old  Floss  with  true  regret, 
while  Ernest  produced  the  epitaph  he  had  written  to  be  placed 
over  her  grave. 

I  had  not  yet  heard  this  effusion,  and  I  asked  him  to  read  it 
aloud.     It  ran  as  follows: 


BENEATH    IN   THE    COOL   GROUND   RESTS 

FLOSS, 

A    FAITHFUL   DOG, 

AND    ALSO   A   TRUE    FRIEND. 

BRAVE,    STRONG,   AND    HEROIC    IN   THE    HUNT, 

FEARLESS   ON   THE    BATTLE-FIELD,   AND 

WATCHFUL   FOR  THE    INTERESTS   OF  THOSE    SHE    SERVED. 

SHE    MET   HER   DEATH 

FROM   THE    PAW   OF    A    LION,    WHICH 

SHE    HEROICALLY  ATTACKED 

TO    SAVE   THOSE    SHE    LOVED 

FROM   A    SIMILAR   FATE. 


[$(>'] 


Tas  SWISS  FAMILY 

"Capital,  Ernest,"  said  Jack,  impressively.  "That  epitaph 
shall  be  placed  on  her  grave  as  soon  as  possible.  I'll  take  care 
of  that." 

The  flesh  of  the  w^ild  boar  v^as,  however,  gladly  reserved  by 
the  mother,  as  v^ell  as  the  truffles  and  the  Nankin  wool-pods.  I 
had  brought  with  me  also  a  few  seeds  of  this  plant  to  be  sown 
in  the  vegetable  garden.  The  hams  and  other  portions  of  the 
wild  boar  were  salted  quickly,  and  prepared  for  smoking;  a  few 
parts  only  were  saved  to  be  eaten  fresh.  The  head  would  have 
been  a  delicious  dish,  I  knew,  if  baked  in  the  Hottentot  fashion; 
but  I  would  not  break  my  promise  to  Ernest  that  he  should  have 
it  in  his  museum. 

I  forgot  to  state  that  I  had  managed,  before  leaving  the  spot,  to 
take  oflF  the  skins  of  the  lions,  as  I  knew  they  would  make  beau- 
tiful mats  for  the  feet  in  winter,  if  carefully  cleaned  and  dressed. 
My  wife,  however,  could  not  look  at  them  yet  without  a  shudder. 
These  skins,  with  that  of  the  wild  boar  and  the  head  of  the  creat- 
ure, were  carried  next  day  to  our  tannery  workshop  on  Shark's 
Island. 

Five  days  passed,  during  which  we  worked  hard  at  dressing 
the  skins,  but  Fritz  still  remained  absent.  Our  anxiety  at  length 
became  so  great  that  I  determined  to  follow  him — at  least,  as  far 
as  Pearl  Bay. 

My  proposal  created  great  satisfaction,  and  my  wife  readily 
agreed  to  be  of  the  party,  especially  when  I  explained  to  her  that 
I  intended  to  sail  in  the  pinnace.  With  a  large  store  of  provisions, 
we  embarked  one  fine  morning  with  a  favorable  wind,  and  quitted 
the  peaceful  home  of  Rock  House  amid  joyous  hurrahs  and  the 
barking  of  the  dogs,  who  accompanied  us  on  board.  We  very 
quickly  reached  the  entrance  to  Church  River,  as  we  had  named 
the  stream  beneath  the  vaulted  rocks,  and  passed  through  the 
opening,  with  such  great  force,  however,  that  we  came  to  a  stand- 
still suddenly,  and  then  it  seemed  as  if  we  had  run  aground  on  a 
sand-bank. 

[562] 


ROBINSON 

The  sudden  shock  threw  us  all  together  on  the  deck,  and  I 
:hen  believed  we  had  struck  upon  some  rocks,  for  some  object 
in  front  seemed  to  bar  our  passage.  All  at  once  before  our 
astonished  eyes  the  obstruction  dissolved  into  water.  At  the 
distance  of  a  few  paces  we  heard  a  great  noise,  and  presently 
5aw  what  appeared  to  be  an  immense  waterspout  rise  in  the 
air,  and  then  fall  in  heavy  showers  like  rain  on  the  surface  of 
the  sea. 

"Father,"  exclaimed  Frank,  who  had  been  the  first  to  recover 
from  the  shock,  "  is  not  that  one  of  those  waterspouts  which  are 
sO  dangerous  to  sailors  ?" 

"I  do  not  think  this  is  a  waterspout,  Frank,"  I  replied,  *'be- 
:ause  it  rose  in  two  columns  of  water,  and  a  real  waterspout  has 
the  appearance  of  a  pillar.  As  it  sometimes  bursts  over  a  ship, 
it  is,  of  course,  a  very  dangerous  object  to  meet." 

I  was  about  to  express  my  opinion  that  what  we  had  seen  was 
caused  by  electricity,  when  another  shock,  though  not  so  violent, 
induced  me  to  believe  that  this  time  we  were  really  aground.  But 
the  object  against  which  we  had  struck  was  now  evidently  swim- 
ming, and,  looking  out,  I  saw  an  ungainly  mass  floating  near  us, 
which  I  recognized  as  an  enormous  fish. 

I  instantly  prepared  my  litde  cannon,  to  be  in  readiness  to  fire 
at  the  monster  when  it  again  rose  to  the  surface.  In  a  few  mo- 
ments it  reappeared,  and  two  shots  from  the  cannon  took  fatal 
effect.  It  struggled  violently  for  some  moments,  then  swam 
hastily  to  a  sand-bank,  on  which  it  sank,  leaving  a  trail  of  blood 
on  the  foaming  surface  of  the  sea.  I  believed  the  creature  to  be 
the  cachalot  whale,  and  I  knew  that  the  supposed  waterspout  was 
caused  by  the  jets  of  water  which  these  creatures  throw  into  the 
air  when  they  are  angry.  No  doubt  it  had  been  sleeping  on  the 
water  when  we  ran  against  it,  and  threw  the  jets  from  its  nostrils 
in  a  rage  at  being  disturbed. 

I  was  anxious  to  examine  it  more  closely,  although  my  wife 
complained  of  the  danger  incurred  by  having  anything  to  do  with 

[563] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

these  monsters  of  the  deep,  I  reasoned  her  at  last  into  com- 
pliance, and  we  approached  the  sand-bank. 

The  monster  appeared  to  be  at  least  forty  feet  long,  and  not 
quite  dead,  for  he  lashed  the  shallow  water  with  his  tail  so  vio- 
lently that  he  completely  covered  us  with  water  and  foam.  We 
found  it  necessary  and  also  merciful,  therefore,  to  put  him  out  of 
his  misery,  and  the  animal  very  soon  breathed  his  last  and  moved 
no  more. 

We  were  about  to  express  our  joy  at  this  unexpected  triumph 
when  another  circumstance  suddenly  attracted  our  attention. 
At  some  distance  we  perceived  a  canoe,  with,  as  we  believed,  a 
savage  inhabitant  of  the  country  paddling  along  hastily  toward 
us.  As  soon  as  he  found  himself  observed,  he  disappeared  be- 
hind a  promontory, 

I  was  rather  alarmed  at  the  thought  that  he  was  gone  to  fetch 
others  of  his  tribe;  we  therefore  reloaded  the  cannon,  got  our 
arms  and  ammunition  ready,  and  waited  for  his  reappearance. 

It  was  not  long  before  a  canoe  with  a  single  rower  again  came 
in  sight,  and  seemed  also  to  be  acting  as  a  spy  upon  our  move- 
ments. I  then  decided  to  hoist  a  white  flag,  as  a  token  of  our 
wish  to  be  friendly,  but  in  vain.  This  savage  also  disappeared, 
and  presently  one  and  then  another  showed  himself  on  a  point 
of  land  at  a  little  distance,  and  then  vanished.  Once  more  the 
savage  in  the  canoe  presented  himself.  I  therefore  immediately 
seized  my  speaking-trumpet,  and  uttered  a  few  words  of  our 
peaceful  intentions  in  the  Malay  tongue,  that  I  had  learned  from 
a  book  of  travels,  but  with  no  result. 

At  last  Jack,  who  was  becoming  impatient,  took  up  the  speak- 
ing-trumpet, and  pronounced,  with  great  energy,  a  few  nautical 
words  in  English,  which,  however,  appeared  to  be  lost  in  the  air. 

But  not  so.  In  a  few  minutes  we  saw  the  canoe  approaching 
with  the  savage  in  it,  paddling  toward  us,  and  a  green  bough 
fastened  to  the  prow.  As  it  drew  nearer  a  burst  of  laughter  greet- 
ed the  rower,  for  in  the  swarthy  savage  we   recognized  our  own 

[564] 


ROBINSON 

Fritz,  who,  with  friendly  signs  and  kisses,  thrown  to  us  comically 
from  his  hand,  paddled  swiftly  toward  the  boat. 

In  a  very  short  time  he  reached  the  pinnace,  and  we  took  our 
brave  boy  on  board,  canoe  and 
all,  where,  amid  much  laughter, 
he  was  fondly  kissed  and  wel- 
comed, in  spite  of  his  black- 
ened face.  As  soon  as  we  al- 
lowed our  traveller  to  speak, 
he  promised  to  give  us  every 
explanation,  which,  he  said, 
was  impossible  while  questions 
and  inquiries  fell  upon  him  in 
a  storm  on  every  side. 

At  last  I  drew  him  apart, 
and  asked,  in  a  low  voice,  if 
his  journey  had  been  successful. 

"Yes,  father,"  he  replied, 
"  entirely  so,  and  I  have  pleas- 
ant news  for  you." 

I  could  not  question  my  son 
further,  as  his  mother  drew 
near,  and  insisted  that  he 
should  wash  the  dark  stains 
from  his  face  and  hands,  as 
she  could  not  bear  to  look  at 
him  with  that  face  so  like  a 
negro's. 

He    went     immediately     to 
comply  with  her  request;  and  after  washing  his  face  and  rubbing 
it  with  almond  powder,  the  young  European  was  no  longer  a 
negro,  and  stood  once  more  before  us  in  his  own  person. 

His  first  question  related  to  the  firing  he  had  heard  near  the 
entrance  to  the  bay. 

[565] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"I  was  much  alarmed,"  he  said;  "for  I  never  supposed  you 
would  put  out  to  sea  in  your  pinnace  now  she  is  rigged  so  like  a 
yacht,  and  I  imagined,  therefore,  that  it  was  a  strange  vessel  with 
two  guns  similar  to  ours." 

Thereupon  I  explained  our  adventure  with  the  cachalot  whale, 
which  greatly  interested  him.  I  then  asked  if  he  could  recom- 
mend a  suitable  spot  in  which  to  cast  anchor. 

"Oh  yes,"  he  replied,  in  a  mysterious  tone;  "there  is  a  pretty 
little  island  not  far  from  here.     I  will  lead  you  to  it  at  once." 

I  smiled  at  his  eagerness  as  he  lowered  his  canoe  into  the  sea 
again,  while  his  mother  and  brothers  looked  on  in  surprise,  and 
wondered  what  great  discovery  he  had  made  which  he  was  about 
to  show  us. 

He  unfurled  the  sails  of  the  yacht,  ran  up  the  rigging,  drew  the 
ropes,  and,  telling  me  which  way  to  steer,  sprang  lightly  from  the 
boat  to  his  canoe,  and  led  the  way,  like  a  pilot,  to  a  picturesque 
little  island  in  Pearl  Bay. 

During  this  little  voyage  I  had  only  just  time  to  give  the  mother 
some  account  of  the  message  which  Fritz  had  found  tied  to  the 
leg  of  the  albatross,  and  the  reply  he  had  sent  back  by  the  same 
messenger.  I  wished  also  to  explain  the  object  of  his  recent 
absence,  and  the  happy  result  of  his  enterprise,  so  that  she  might 
be  prepared  for  the  appearance  of  the  young  English  girl,  who, 
no  doubt,  was  on  the  island  to  which  he  was  leading  us. 

"Why  did  you  not  tell  me  this  before  ?"  she  asked;  and  I  could 
see  how  much  the  news  had  startled  her. 

"I  was  unwilling  to  raise  hopes  that  might  not  be  realized," 
I  replied;  "but  now,  happily,  there  is  no  longer  need  for 
concealment." 

The  boys  evidently  suspected  something,  but  I  said  not  a  word 
to  them. 

"Let  this  young  English  girl  make  her  own  way,"  I  said  to 
myself.     "If  she  is  worth  anything,  she  will  easily  do  that." 

We  anchored  on  the  shores  of  a  little  island,  near  a  beautifully 

[566] 


ROBINSON 

situated  wood,  and  Fritz  immediately  landed,  followed  by  my- 
self and  his  brothers,  who  assisted  the  mother  to  reach  the 
shore. 

I  saw  the  young  men  glance  with  great  curiosity  at  a  little  cavity 
between  the  branches  of  a  tall  palm-tree,  which  appeared  to  have 
been  used  as  a  resting-place. 

Before  it  on  the  shore  stood  a  fire-hearth,  constructed  of  peb- 
bles, and  in  the  centre  of  the  fire,  instead  of  a  saucepan,  was 
placed  a  beautiful  but  gigantic  mussel-shell. 

Fritz  was  in  advance  of  us,  looking  earnestly  into  the  wood, 
and  as  if  he  scarcely  noticed  that  we  had  landed. 

Presently  he  raised  his  voice  and  shouted,  as  one  sailor  shouts 
to  another: 

"Ho!    hallo  there,  up  aloft!" 

We  heard  a  rustling  in  the  tree,  and  presently  there  appeared, 
gliding  lightly  down  the  stem,  instead  of  a  young  girl,  a  beautiful 
youth,  dressed  in  sailor's 
clothes. 

The  young  stranger,  on 
seeing  us,  stood  still,  look- 
ing greatly  embarrassed, 
and  we  were  also  too  much 
taken  by  surprise  at  first  to 
speak. 

Fritz  came  to  the  rescue. 
Taking  off  his  plumed  hat, 
he  led  the  young  sailor  to 
his  mother,  and  exclaimed: 

"  Let  me  introduce  to  you, 
my  mother,  the  young  Lord 
Edward  Montrose.  Will  you 
not  welcome  him  as  a  friend 
and  a  brother  to  our  family 
circle  ?" 


TiiE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Without  a  moment's  hesitation  we  hastened  to  offer  our  earnest 
welcome  to  the  timid  stranger,  whose  manners  were  so  refined 
and  gentle  that  he  won  our  hearts  at  once. 

As  the  head  of  the  family,  I  advanced,  and,  taking  the  hand  of 
the  forsaken  youth,  promised  him  my  friendship  and  protection. 
He  replied  timidly  in  a  few  words,  and  then  turned  to  the  mother, 
as  if  asking  for  her  motherly  care. 

My  wife  and  I  guessed  rightly  that  Fritz  would  not  wish  to 
betray  the  sex  of  the  stranger  to  his  brothers  while  she  wore  the 
sailor's  attire.  The  young  men  were,  however,  at  once  attracted 
by  the  young  sailor,  and  overjoyed  at  the  prospect  of  a  new  com- 
panion. Even  the  dogs  welcomed  his  appearance,  and  frolicked 
round  him  joyfully.  My  sons  ran  hastily  to  the  yacht  and  the 
canoe  for  the  camp-table  and  camp-stools,  and  other  necessary 
articles  of  cookery  and  table  appliances,  rather  before  the  regular 
supper-hour,  for  on  this  occasion  they  determined  to  prepare  a 
royal  feast  as  a  welcome  to  the  visitor. 

The  mother,  also,  was  not  in  the  least  sparing  of  her  supplies, 
and  seemed  ready  not  only  to  employ  her  skill  in  preparing  a  rich 
repast,  but  also  to  make  some  delicious  dishes  w4th  almonds, 
raisins,  and  cassava  cakes  sweetened  with  sugar.  In  assisting 
the  mother,  however,  during  these  performances,  the  young  Ed- 
ward nearly  betrayed  his  sex  by  the  knowledge  he  displayed;  but 
the  young  men  were  still  deceived;  and  some  flasks  of  our  best 
mead  and  a  bottle  of  canary  sack  added  to  the  feast,  rendered 
them  almost  boisterous  in  the  gayety  of  their  spirits. 

The  appearance  of  a  human  being  of  any  description,  after  so 
many  years  of  isolation  from  our  fellow-creatures,  would  of  itself 
create  excitement;  but  this  gentle,  modest,  silent  youth,  who 
had  been  thus  mysteriously  discovered,  was  in  himself  so  charm- 
ing that  I  could  quite  understand  their  anxiety  to  make  him  feel 
himself  at  home  with  them. 

When  I  considered  it  advisable,  however,  to  give  the  signal  for 
retiring,  the  stranger  rose  at  once  to  proceed  to  his  home  in  the 

[568] 


ROBINSON 

tree;  but  he  was  prevented  by  my  wife,  who  had  prepared  a  more 
agreeable  night's  lodging  on  board  the  yacht,  and  without  a  word 
he  followed  her. 

My  sons  having  lighted  the  watch-fires,  seated  themselves 
round  them  to  discuss  the  event  of  the  evening  and  a  number  of 
pineapples,  while  with  strong  curiosity  questioning  P'ritz. 

"  Whatever  induced  you  to  go  in  search  of  a  stranger  ?"  asked 
Frank,  "or,  at  least,  how  did  you  know  where  to  find  him?" 

Fritz,  in  reply,  at  once  readily  related  his  adventure  with  the 
albatross,  described  the  message  which  was  tied  to  its  leg,  and 
all  that  had  occurred  since,  from  beginning  to  end;  but  he  so 
mixed  up  the  name  of  Jenny  with  that  of  Lord  Edward  Montrose 
that  his  brothers  began  to  suspect  something  of  the  truth.  A 
question  from  Jack  settled  the  matter: 

"Did  you  understand  the  Malay  words,  Fritz?" 

"Yes,"  he  replied;  "but  they  alarmed  me  still  more,  for  my 
head  was  full  of  Malay  pirates,  the  young  Edward  having  told  me 
that  they  infested  this  coast.  But  when  I  heard  those  English 
nautical  terms,  I  believed  it  was  an  English  vessel  coming  in 
search  of  Miss  Jenny,  and  I — " 

"Ha!  ha!  ha!"  laughed  the  boys,  merrily;  and  Ernest  ex- 
claimed : 

"You  have  betrayed  your  secret,  Mr.  Frederick:  your  young 
lord  is  transformed  into  a  young  lady,  and  our  new  brother  into 
a  gentle  and  amiable  sister.     Long  live  Miss  Jenny!" 

Fritz  was  for  a  moment  disconcerted,  but  soon  recovered  him- 
self, and  joined  heartily  in  the  joyous  cheers  of  his  brothers,  till 
I  at  length  reminded  them  that  it  was  time  to  retire  to  rest  for 
the  night. 

I  related  to  my  wife  the  discovery  made  by  our  younger  boys, 
and  on  rising  next  morning  she  arranged  some  of  her  own  attire, 
by  a  little  alteration,  to  suit  the  young  English  girl  who  had  been 
thus  thrown  upon  her  motherly  care  and  tenderness.  She  pro- 
vided her  with  a  comb  to  smooth  out  her  long,  golden  tresses,  which 

[569] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY; 

had,  on  the  evening  previous,  hung  loosely  on  her  shoulders,  < 
giving  her,  in  a  boy's  dress,  the  appearance  of  a  youth  of  fourteen,  j 
and  then  presented  her  to  the  family  in  her  real  character.  | 

The  young  men  came  forw^ard  at  once  to  address  her  as  "  Miss  I 
Jenny,"  feeling  half  inclined  to  joke  her  on  the  deception  she  had  | 
practised  upon  them;  but  she  looked  so  gentle  and  ladylike,  and  ; 
blushed  so  painfully,  that  they  changed  their  tactics,  and  treated  j 
her  w^ith  brotherly  kindness  and  respect.  \ 

For  breakfast  Fritz  had  made  some  chocolate  for  Jenny,  who  ; 
had  been  accustomed  to  it  in  her  native  country;  and  after  we 
had  finished,  I  was  preparing  myself  to  hear  some  account  of  the 
young  stranger,  and  also  from  Fritz  a  description  of  his  advent- 
ures and  doings  during  the  five  days  of  his  absence.  But  he  set 
aside  my  curiosity  by  reminding  me  that  the  cachalot  whale  must 
not  be  allowed  to  remain  under  the  burning  sun  if  we  wished  to 
obtain  anything  from  it. 

"Is  any  part  of  it  edible  ?"  asked  Ernest. 

"I  think  not,"  I  replied;  "but,  like  other  whales,  it  is  useful 
for  its  oil,  as  well  as  for  a  beautiful  white  waxy  substance,  known 
as  spermaceti,  found  in  the  enormous  head,  and  which  sometimes 
furnishes  as  much  as  twenty  tons.  This  will  be  very  useful  to 
us,  as  it  makes  beautiful  candles.  My  only  trouble  will  be  to 
find  vessels  enough  to  carry  it  away." 

Then  Jenny  said,  modestly:  "We  use  hempen  sacks  in  Eng- 
land. Would  you  not  try  them  ?  They  would  certainly  carry  the 
spermaceti,  I  think." 

This  idea  appeared  so  feasible  that  I  had  all  our  sacks  emptied, 
and  after  being  well  beaten  on  a  flat  stone  to  thicken  them,  they 
were  placed  on  board  the  yacht,  the  young  men  following  with  the 
two  dogs  and  the  jackal.  Fritz,  however,  accompanied  us  in  his 
canoe. 

We  were  not  long  in  reaching  the  sand-bank,  where  the  monster 
lay  drying  in  the  sun;  but  no  sooner  were  we  alongside  than  the 
dogs.  Brownie  and  Fawn,  rushed  toward  it,  and,  before  we  could 

I  570] 


ROBINSON 

reach  the  spot,  such  howling,  barking,  and  snarling  were  heard 
behind  the  stranded  fish  that  we  feared  the  dogs  had  met  with 
some  dangerous  enemies. 

We  arrived  in  time  to  see  a  troupe  of  wolves  disputing  fiercely 
with  our  dogs  their  right  to  the  prey.  Two  of  the  wolves  already 
lay  dead  on  the  sand,  and  two  others  were  being  held  firmly  by 
the  dogs;  the  rest  had  fled.  We  also  recognized  among  the  wolves 
a  few  jackals. 

At  this  moment  our  tame  jackal,  which  had  remained  close  to 
Jack  hitherto,  suddenly  caught  sight  of  his  fellows.  Instinct  was 
too  strong  for  him;  he  started  forward  with  a  bound  to  join  them, 
quite  disregarding  the  calls  or  commands  of  his  master. 

Fritz  would  have  fired  at  the  deserter,  but  I  prevented  him 
from  doing  so,  because  I  feared  that  the  mother  and  the  young 
stranger,  whom  we  had  left  on  the  island,  would  be  alarmed  if 
they  heard  firing.  Meanwhile  the  wolves  had  been  vanquished 
by  our  brave  body-guard,  who  returned  to  us,  however,  rather 
the  worse  for  the  strife,  with  bleeding  wounds  and  ears  greatly 
torn.  Jack  took  charge  of  them,  and,  after  a  while,  I  saw  with 
satisfaction  that  the  poor  animals  were  licking  one  another's 
wounds,  which  I  knew  would  prove  a  far  better  remedy  than 
any  salve. 

The  way  being  now  clear,  I  seized  one  of  the  sacks,  and  held  it 
open  near  the  head  of  the  creature,  while  Fritz  mounted  the 
slippery  side  of  the  mountain  of  flesh,  and  with  one  blow  of  his 
hatchet  laid  open  the  skull;  and  by  using  a  scoop,  I  quickly 
filled  the  sacks  one  after  another  with  a  good  store  of  spermaceti. 
These  we  carried  on  board  the  yacht,  with  the  four  dead  wolves, 
and  returned  to  the  little  island  a  short  time  before  the  dinner- 
hour.  The  mother  and  Jenny  had  provided  for  us  a  most  ex- 
cellent repast  during  our  absence. 

I  intended,  on  the  afternoon  of  this  day,  to  take  the  skin  from 
the  wolves,  and  in  this  I  required  help  from  all  the  boys.  Jack, 
however,  was  anxious  to  reclaim  his  jackal,  and  Fritz  wished  to 

[571] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

carry  the  bags  of  spermaceti  to  Shark's  Island  on  his  canoe.     I 
was,  therefore,  rather  in  a  difficulty. 

'  "I  will  recover  the  jackal,"  said  Jenny,  with  a  smile,  "if  Fritz 
will  lend  me  his  canoe  to-morrow.  I  am  not  afraid  of  going 
alone,"  she  added.  "When  you  hear  my  history  you  will  under- 
stand why.  I  shall  only  require  some  pieces  of  a  wolf's  skin." 
!  I  was  surprised  at  this  daring  spirit  in  so  young  a  girl,  but  I 
agreed  to  her  proposal  willingly,  for  I  could  see  that  my  younger 
sons  were  inclined  to  treat  the  matter  as  a  joke.  However,  Jack 
remained  at  the  island  with  his  two  brothers  to  assist  me  in  skin- 
ning the  wolves,  while  Fritz  started  in  his  canoe  to  carry  the  bags 
of  spermaceti  to  Shark's  Island. 

During  the  evening  and  part  of  the  night  Jenny  was  employed 
in  the  cabin  with  the  mother  in  cutting  out  and  making  for  the 
jackal  a  muzzle  of  the  pieces  of  wolf's  skin.  She  rose  early,  and 
after  breakfast  was  provided  with  a  flask  of  fresh  water  and  a 
basket  of  provisions.  Fritz  wished  to  assist  her,  but  she  sprang 
lightly  on  board  the  canoe  unaided,  and  paddled  out  into  the  bay 
with  a  cleverness  and  ease  that  surprised  us  all. 

On  reaching  the  sand-bank,  as  she  told  us  afterward,  she  passed 
round  it  at  first,  and  landed  on  the  banks  of  the  stream  near  the 
wood,  but  there  appeared  no  signs  of  the  jackal.  She  had 
brought  with  her  from  the  canoe  meat  and  water  to  tempt  him, 
and  at  last  she  stood  still,  and,  raising  her  voice,  called  "Hunter! 
Hunter!"  in  gentle  and  friendly  tones;  then  she  wandered  from 
point  to  point  at  a  little  distance,  and  called  his  name  again. 
!  Presently  she  saw  the  poor  animal  slowly  approaching,  and 
looking  almost  dead  with  hunger.  She  threw  him  a  piece  of 
sopped  biscuit,  still  cautiously  approaching  nearer,  and  at  last 
placed  before  him  some  pemmican  moistened  with  water  in  a 
calabash-shell.  While  he  was  eating  it  with  famished  eagerness, 
she  threw  round  his  neck  a  piece  of  cord,  speaking  kindly  to  him 
ail  the  time,  and  then,  still  holding  the  end  of  the  cord,  filled  the 
calabash-shell  with  water,  which    he  drank  eagerly.     It  was  not 

[572] 


R  OB  I  N  S  O  N 

difficult  after  this  to  place  the  muzzle  on  his  nose  and  lead  him 
to  the  canoe.  He  submitted  without  a  struggle;  indeed,  he 
seemed  to  be  fascinated  with  his  new  mistress,  and  even  allowed 
her  to  tie  his  hind  legs  loosely  together  and  place  him  before  her 
on  the  deck  of  the  canoe. 

All  this  occupied  time,  and  it  was  not  until  nearly  noon  that  we 
espied  the  canoe  approaching.  As  it  drew  nearer  we  all  stood  on 
the  shore  and  saw  the  little  maiden  paddling  bravely  toward  the 
land,  with  the  jackal  seated  gravely  in  front  of  her  like  a  regular 
passenger,  and  looking  so  comical  with  his  new  muzzle  that  the 
canoe  was  received  on  reaching  the  land  with  shouts  of  laughter. 

Hunter  was  quickly  released  from  his  muzzle  and  his  bonds, 
and,  indeed,  appeared  so  humbled  and  ashamed  of  himself  that 
we  had  no  doubt  he  had  been  scouted  by  his  own  species  and  left 
to  starve. 

At  all  events,  the  yonng  English  girl  was  loaded  with  thanks 
and  congratulations  by  us  all,  and  we  felt  that  in  our  isolated 
position  we  could  not  have  met  with  a  companion  so  suitable  as 
a  daughter  and  sister  as  Jenny  Montrose. 


rUM:  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XL 

THE    ADVENTURES    OF    FRITZ — JENNY's    HISTORY 

NOW  became  anxious  to  return  to  Rock  Castle, 
but  before  doing  so  it  was  necessary  to  visit  the 
spot,  near  the  burning  mountain,  at  which  Jenny 
had  left  all  she  had  saved  from  shipwreck. 

I  felt  also  that  this  was  the  time  to  hear  an  ac- 
count of  the  adventures  of  Fritz  during  his  five  days'  absence, 
and  also  a  little  of  the  history  of  this  young  girl,  whom  we  were 
anxious  to  receive  as  a  dear  daughter  and  sister. 

After  dinner,  therefore,  on  the  day  of  the  Jackal's  return,  we 
seated  ourselves  on  the  shore  to  listen  to  Fritz.  Jenny  retired  to 
her  little  recess  near  the  tree  with  a  book  Ernest  had  lent  her. 
She  shrank  from  hearing  a  description  of  herself  and  her  doings, 
and  judged  rightly  that  Fritz  would  speak  more  freely  during  her 
absence. 

*'You  will  remember,"  he  began,  "that  when  I  paddled  away 
from  the  boat,  I  intended  to  proceed  at  once  toward  the  open 
sea  in  my  fragile  canoe.  I  was  full  of  energy,  but  conscious  of 
danger,  and  agitated  with  a  thousand  fears  respecting  the  safety 
of  this  poor  shipwrecked  English  girl.  Still,  I  was  hopeful  of 
success,  and  did  not  lose  courage;  and  after  commending  myself 
to  the  care  of  Providence,  I  became  more  hopeful,  and  full  of  the 
idea  that,  if  I  dared  this  expedition,  it  might  lead  to  association 
with  our  species,  and  perhaps  furnish  the  means  of  our  leaving 
this  isolated  position. 

"On  reaching  the  open  sea,  the  wind,  although  light,  came 
from  a  quarter  likely  to  carry  me  among  dangerous  rocks  if  it 

1 574] 


R  O  B  I  N  S  O  N 

blew  with  greater  force.  I  had,  however,  scarcely  reached  Pearl 
Bay  when  a  gale  arose,  which  threatened  to  drive  me  on  the 
rocky  shore  I  dreaded,  and  I  dared  not,  therefore,  venture  farther 
out  to  sea,  lest  the  waves  should  overpower  my  little  skiff.  Tow- 
ard evening  the  wind  lulled,  and  I  thanked  God  on  my  knees  for 
my  preservation. 

"  I  could  not,  however,  venture  on  shore,  but  I  found  a  corner 
for  the  canoe  beneath  an  overhanging  rock,  sufficiently  protected 
from  the  wind,  as  well  as  inaccessible  to  wild  beasts;  and  here, 
on  a  heap  of  sand  and  broken  rocks,  between  two  large  stones,  I 
slept  peacefully,  after  eating  my  supper  of  cold  meat,  for  I  feared 
to  light  a  fire  either  for  supper  or  breakfast,  lest  it  should  attract 
savages  to  the  spot. 

"I  had  a  refreshing  night,  even  on  my  hard  couch;  and  on 
rising  next  morning,  with  lighter  spirits,  found  myself  near  a  coast 
quite  unknown  to  me.  I  still  kept  close  inshore,  examining  the 
summit  of  every  elevation  of  rock  or  hill,  with  the  hope  of  discov- 
ering some  signs  of  a  volcano. 

"The  coast  was  sandy  and  barren,  but  I  could  see  outlines  of 
thick  forests  in  the  distance;  and  as  I  drew  nearer,  I  noticed  that 
the  boughs  and  lower  stems  were  covered  with  a  wonderful  growth 
of  creeping  plants.  I  took  these  creepers  for  pepper-plants,  for  a 
large  number  of  toucans,  or  pepper-birds,  who  feed  on  this  fruit, 
surrounded  the  canoe. 

"  I  ceased  paddling  now  and  then  for  a  while,  to  watch  these 
birds,  which  were  lively  and  even  playful  in  their  movements. 
They  would  break  off  the  little  pepper-grapes,  throw  them  in  the 
air,  and  catch  them  most  cleverly  in  their  open  beaks. 

"Very  shortly  after  this  I  found  myself  in  a  vast  extent  of  ocean, 
although  really  a  bay,  and  in  one  point  an  arm  of  the  sea  ran  in- 
land from  it.     This  I  determined  to  explore. 

"After  remarking  that  the  tide  had  just  turned,  and  would 
carry  me  onward  for  some  distance,  I  rested  my  paddle,  and  gave 
myself  up  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  splendid  scenery  which   lay 

[575] 


T^  SWISS  FAMILY 

spread  out  on  both  sides  of  the  stream.  At  length,  to  my  sur- 
prise, I  discovered  that  this  beautiful  country  was  not  only  occu- 
pied by  birds  of  varied  plumage,  which  made  the  air  melodious 
with  their  songs,  but  by  elephants,  hippopotami,  and  even  glisten- 
ing serpents. 

"On  making  this  discovery,  I  paddled  quickly  away  for  miles, 
in  spite  of  the  heat,  before  I  could  find  a  spot  on  which  it  ap- 
peared safe  to  land. 

"After  some  hours  I  came  upon  a  calm  and  peaceful  country, 
where  no  sound  disturbed  the  stillness  but  the  twitter  of  birds,  the 
humming  of  bees,  and  the  rushing  of  a  waterfall  from  the  distant 
rocks. 

"Here  I  landed,  and,  finding  a  number  of  fine  oysters  on  the 
beach,  I  lighted  a  fire,  and  cooked  some  for  my  supper;  then, 
mooring  my  canoe  to  a  large  stone,  and  pushing  it  from  the  shore, 
I  determined  to  sleep  on  board,  as  the  safest  place. 

"Next  morning  I  awoke  early,  and,  with  a  thankful  heart,  pro- 
ceeded on  my  way  till  about  noon,  when,  feeling  tired,  I  deter- 
mined to  land  near  a  little  wood,  in  which  a  great  number  of 
parrots  kept  up  a  tremendous  chattering  and  screaming. 

"  Here,  as  all  appeared  safe,  I  released  my  eagle,  uncovered  his 
eyes,  and  set  him  free  to  find  his  own  breakfast  and  mine.  He 
very  soon  returned  with  a  parrot,  which  I  gave  him  for  himself, 
and  then  fired  among  the  trees,  where  I  had  observed  many 
larger  birds  than  parrots,  which  I  thought  would  be  agreeable 
eating. 

"Two  fell,  and  while  picking  them  up  I  heard  behind  me  a 
rustling  among  the  trees,  like  the  movements  of  a  sea-crab  or  a 
turtle.  I  turned  at  the  sound,  and  saw,  with  a  sinking  heart,  an 
enormous  tiger  at  a  distance  of  not  more  than  ten  or  fifteen  paces' 
from  me!  It  was  too  late  to  run,  for  with  one  bound  he  could 
have  reached  me. 

"For  a  moment  I  stood  motionless;  and  then  upon  the  tiger's 
head  pounced  the  eagle,  dazzling  the  beast  with  his  broad,  flap- 

[576] 


ROBINSON 

ping  wings,  and  fiercely  attacking  his  head  with  his  beak  and 
claws. 

"I  took  courage.  The  tiger,  too  much  engaged  in  defending 
himself,  did  not  notice  me.  I  saw  he  was  in  my  power,  and,  ap- 
proaching nearer,  shot  him  through  the  head.  But  I  could 
scarcely  rejoice  over  my  victory,  for  in  his  fall  the  eagle,  whose 
talons  were  embedded  in  the  tiger's  skin,  fell  with  him,  and  was 
crushed  to  death  beneath  the  animal's  weight. 

*'I  lifted  the  remains  of  my  faithful  pet  from  under  the  monster, 
and  with  tears  carried  it  to  the  canoe,  feeling  that  his  last  act  had 


Mm. 


been  his  greatest,  for  he  had  saved  my  life  at  the  expense  of  his 
own.     I  have  brought  him  home  to  be  stuffed,  and  placed  in  our 

museum." 

This  account  of  the  eagle's  death  pained  us  all  greatly,  al- 
though the  excitement  caused  by  the  new  arrival  had  so  occupied 
us  that  the  creature's  absence  had  been  unnoticed.  No  remark, 
however,  was  made  to  interrupt  Fritz,  who  continued  his  narra- 
tion. 

"I  quitted  the  place  in  sadness,  being  too  anxious  to  contmue 

[577] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

my  journey  to  spare  time  for  skinning  the  tiger,  whose  striped  fur 
was  very  beautiful;  yet,  as  I  paddled  on,  I  was  conscious  of  a 
feeling  of  discouragement,  and  I  had  almost  made  a  determina- 
tion to  turn  back  and  give  up  attempting  to  discover  the  sender 
of  the  message,  when  suddenly  a  number  of  lofty  rocks  appeared 
in  the  distance,  and  from  one  of  the  peaks  rose  a  slight  wreath  of  ] 
fire-tinged  smoke  through  the  clear  air. 

"The  sight  filled  me  with  new  life.  I  paddled  forward  with  all 
my  strength,  and  at  length  reached  the  base  of  the  mountainous 
rock,  which  rose  from  the  centre  of  a  small  but  fertile  island. 

"I  paddled  for  some  distance  along  the  coast  before  I  could 
discover  a  suitable  landing-place,  for  the  slopes  of  the  rock  ex- 
tended in  some  points  to  the  water's  edge.  At  last  I  reached  a 
shingly  beach,  spreading  inland  for  some  distance,  and  bounded 
on  the  right  by  a  little  forest  that  clothed  the  mountain's  side.  I 
sprang  on  shore  like  another  William  Tell,  when  he  escaped  from 
the  tyrant  Gesler  to  be  the  savior  of  our  country,  and  after  walk- 
ing for  a  little  distance,  I  came  suddenly  on  a  bend  in  a  chain  of 
rocks,  and  the  next  moment  beheld,  with  joyful  astonishment,  the 
first  human  being  I  had  seen  for  many  years  besides  those  of  my 
own  family — a  youthful  figure  dressed  like  a  boy,  who  was  seated 
near  the  foot  of  a  burning  rock  by  which  I  had  been  guided. 

"At  last,  when  within  a  few  paces,  I  said  with  deep  emotion, 
in  English: 

"'Welcome,  shipwrecked  daughter  of  England!  I  am  come 
to  rescue  you.  God  in  His  mercy  has  helped  me  to  find  you, 
and  answer  your  appeal  for  aid.' 

"  I  have  often  feared  that  my  pronunciation  of  these  English 
words  made  them  difficult  to  be  understood.  However,  after 
a  while  Jenny  seemed  to  comprehend,  and  at  last  she  spoke  to  me 
in  French,  as  she  does  now  to  us  all;  but  she  was  so  agitated  and 
timid  that  I  could  scarcely  make  her  aware  of  the  change  that 
awaited  her  in  this  lonely  spot. 

"I  was  myself  almost  too  much  overcome  to  explain;    but  at 

[578] 


ROBINSON 

length  we  became  more  composed,  and  able  to  ask  questions  and 
make  replies  that  were  veiy  satisfactory. 

"  I  seated  myself  by  her  side,  and  told  her  of  our  own  shipwreck, 
and  how  my  parents,  three  brothers  and  myself,  had  lived  on  an 
uninhabited  island  for  ten 
years,  had  cultivated  the 
land,  and  made  homes  of 
our  own,  and  had  now  sheep 
and  cattle  and  poultry  in 
abundance. 

"She  seemed  quite  sur- 
prised at  this  recital,  and 
scarcely  able  to  believe  it; 
and  yet,  as  she  told  me,  she 
had  made  herself  a  nest  in 
the  thick  branches  of  a  tree 
in  the  forest,  and  that  the 
things  she  had  saved  from 
the  wreck  were  stowed  away 
in   a  grotto  near  where  we 


sat. 


I  am  wearing  a  sailor- 
boy's  clothes,'  she  said,  blushing,  'because  I  can  climb  the  tree 
better,  and  move  about  more  freely,  while  I  am  alone;  but,  be- 
fore you  take  me  to  your  relations,  I  must  change  my  dress.'" 

"And  did  she  tell  you  about  herself  or  her  relations,  Fritz,"  I 
asked,  "or  anything  of  the  ship  in  which  she  was  wrecked  ?" 

"Oh  yes,  my  father;  she  told  me  that  her  father,  a  major  in 
an  English  regiment,  had  been  in  India  for  many  years;  that  she 
had  lost  her  mother  when  only  seven  years  old." 

But  we  heard  in  time  the  history  of  this  young  girl,  which  shall 
here  be  related.  After  the  death  of  his  wife,  the  major's  pride  in 
his  dearly  loved  and  only  child  made  him  determine,  not  only  to 
take  charge  of  her  education  himself,  but  to  bring  her  up  to  ride 

[579] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

like  an  Amazon,  and  even  to  be  accustomed  to  the  use  of  fire- 
arms— in  short,  to  be  fit  fiar  any  society,  and  yet  able  to  act  with 
courage  and  self-help  in  case  of  peril  or  reverse  of  fortune. 

The  natural  aptitude  of  Miss  Montrose  made  her,  w^ith  this 
training,  a  self-controlled,  accomplished  girl,  even  at  the  age  of 
seventeen,  and  as  clever  in  the  management  of  a  gun  and  a  horse 
as  in  more  womanly  accomplishments. 

About  this  time  Major  Montrose  was  promoted  to  the  com- 
mand of  a  detachment  of  soldiers  in  the  service  who  were  going 
to  Europe  in  a  transport  ship-of-war  with  a  number  of  invalided 
soldiers.  Of  course  his  only  daughter  could  not  accompany  him 
on  board  a  man-of-war  to  England,  and  as  the  major  was  un- 
willing to  leave  her  behind  in  India,  he  took  a  passage  for  her  in 
a  fast-sailing  passenger-ship,  and  entrusted  her  to  the  care  of 
his  friend,  Captain  Greenfield,  who  commanded  the  ship;  so  that 
he  hoped  his  daughter  would  arrive  in  England,  under  proper 
care,  as  soon  as  himself. 

Miss  Montrose,  therefore,  went  cheerfully  on  board  the  cor- 
vette Dorcas,  under  the  care  of  Captain  Greenfield,  and  sailed 
two  days  before  her  father  from  the  Hooghly,  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Ganges. 

The  voyage  for  the  first  few  days  was  very  pleasant  and  pros- 
perous, but  the  appearance  of  a  French  frigate  ^  and  a  frightful 
storm  drove  the  Dorcas  far  out  of  her  course,  and  prevented  her 
from  reaching  the  harbor  of  the  island  of  Batavia,  as  the  captain 
had  hoped  to  do. 

Driven  still  farther  eastward  by  stormy  and  adverse  winds, 
the  ship  at  last  struck  on  a  rock  on  the  northern  coast  of  New 
Guinea,  and  the  sailors  and  passengers  had  only  time  to  throw 
themselves  into  the  boats  on  an  unknown  sea,  and  endeavor  to 
find  a  shore  on  which  to  land  in  safety.  But  the  boats  were  soon 
separated  in  the  darkness  of  night,  and  the  one  containing  Jenny 
Montrose  became  a  complete  wreck  on  the  rocks  which  surrounded 

^  England  and  France  were  at  this  period  at  war. 

[580] 


ROBINSON 

our  lonely  island,  and,  strange  to  say,  the  young  girl  was  the  only 
one  who  escaped  with  life. 

"She  described  to  me,"  continued  Fritz,  "her  recovery  from 
the  insensibility  which  had  been  caused  by  the  fierceness  with 
which  the  waves  had  dashed  her  on  the  shore;  and  after  rousing 
herself,  and  at  once  submitting  to  circumstances,  she  determined 
to  search  on  the  lonely  shore  for  the  means  of  nourishment  to 
keep  her  alive,  for  she  still  hoped  that  the  boat  had  been  saved, 
and  would  return  for  her. 

"A  few  articles  washed  on  shore,  some  of  which  were  her  own, 
and  a  sailor's  chest  or  locker,  containing,  among  other  useful 
things,  a  tinder-box  *  and  matches,  were  very  acceptable.  She 
could  now  light  a  fire  and  prepare  her  own  food,  which  consisted 
of  fish,  oysters,  mussels,  and  fruit  of  several  kinds.  The  sailor- 
boy's  dress,  which  she  had  hastily  assumed  when  the  ship  struck, 
she  still  wore,  as  you  know,  father,  when  we  found  her. 

"  Being  a  good  swimmer,  she  knew  it  was  a  more  safe  dress,  in 
case  of  danger  on  the  sea,  than  female  attire.  Indeed,  she  as- 
sured me  that,  had  she  not  been  able  to  swim  when  the  boat  was 
capsized,  nothing  could  have  saved  her.  Yet  most  of  all  is  Jenny 
thankful  that  God  in  His  great  mercy  not  only  saved  her  life,  but 
sent  the  wounded  albatross,  to  be  tended  and  Cared  for  till  it  was 
well  enough  to  carry  a  message  to  those  who  could  rescue  her."   ^ 

It  was  midnight  before  all  this  account  of  Jenny  Montrose  and 
her  rescue  was  finished.  She  had  passed  us,  with  a  pleasant 
good-night,  on  the  way  to  her  sleeping-berth  on  board  the  yacht, 
and  we  all  rose  to  retire  to  rest,  full  of  gladness  at  this  addition 
of  a  dear  daughter  and  sister  to  our  family  circle. 

At  breakfast  next  morning  we  assembled  with  the  feelings  of 
near  relationship  to  the  young  English  stranger,  and  more  than 
ever  anxious  to  take  her  to  our  home  at  Rock  Casde.  I  also 
wished  her  to  look  upon  my  wife  and  myself  as  her  parents  till 
we  could  communicate  with  Major  Montrose. 

1  Before  lucifer  matches  were  even  thought  of. 

[58'] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

I  asked  her  if  she  could  remember  the  date  of  the  shipwreck, 
but  she  had  not  kept  account  of  the  days  and  weeks  as  they  passed 
on  that  lonely  island. 

Fritz  asked  her  how  long  a  time  had  elapsed  before  the  alba- 
tross returned  with  our  message  in  answer  to  hers. 

"Oh!"  exclaimed  Jenny,  "I  was  getting  quite  sad  and  despair- 
ing when  the  bird  returned  with  those  words  in  English,  'Trust 
in  God,  help  is  at  hand,'  fastened  to  his  leg.  I  was  beginning  to 
feel  as  if  I  was  the  only  human  being  in  the  world,  and  that  I 
was  left  all  alone  among  the  rocks  to  die;  but  I  shall  never  despair 
again,  for  I  have  learned  to  trust  Him  always.  Besides,  has  He 
not  given  me  new  parents  and  brothers,  whom  I  can  love  and 
trust  ?  And  I  hope  I  shall  prove  as  useful  and  childlike  to  them 
as  they  can  wish." 

"Dearest,  much-valued  daughter,"  I  exclaimed,  "you  cannot 
be  more  thankful  for  meeting  with  us  than  we  are  at  being  able 
to  save  you!  A  dear  little  helper  you  will  be  to  us,  my  daughter, 
and  doubly  welcome  as  long  as  you  remain  with  us  on  that 
account." 

"Perhaps,  dear  Jenny,"  said  the  mother,  "you  may  be  happier 
here,  as  a  member  of  our  little  colony,  than  in  a  world  overladen 
with  a  host  of  cares  in  every  class  of  society.  At  all  events,  I 
am  rejoiced  to  have  found  a  daughter  who  is  so  able  and  will- 
ing to  help  me  in  my  advancing  years,  and  be  to  me  truly  as  a 
daughter." 

When  we  had  finished  breakfast,  all  was  bustle  and  haste;  the 
provisions  and  articles  useful  at  meals  were  quickly  carried  on 
board,  with  Jenny's  box  and  other  things  brought  from  the  cave 
under  the  burning  rock;  Fritz  hastened  to  prepare  his  canoe; 
while  his  brothers  hoisted  sail  on  board  the  pinnace,  and  got 
everything  in  readiness  for  the  voyage. 

We  started  early.  The  morning  was  delightful,  the  sea  calm, 
excepting  for  a  slight  ripple,  caused  by  the  gentle  breeze  which 
carried  us  toward  our  colony,  and  I  determined  to  proceed  tow- 

[582] 


ROBINSON 

ard  the  promontory  of  False  Hope,  and  land  first  at  Prospect 
Hill,  which  we  reached  before  sunset. 

With  great  astonishment  Jenny  had  observed  our  watch-tower, 
with  its  guard-house,  cannons,  and  flag,  on  the  heights  of  Shark's 
Island,  near  which  we  passed.  But  her  delight  was  still  greater 
when  we  landed  at  Prospect  Plill,  and  proceeded  through  the  farm 
and  plantations  to  our  Kamchatka  summer-house  in  the  trees. 
In  front  of  it  she  paused,  and  exclaimed: 

"Why,  this  is  Fairyland!  I  can  scarcely  believe  it  is  true." 
But  when  seated  at  supper  in  the  cool  tent  which  we  erected, 
Jenny  found  it  all  true,  and  retired  with  the  mother  to  the  dwell- 
ing in  the  tree  to  rest,  feeling  as  if  a  new  life  had  been  opened  to 
her  even  on  a  desert  isle.  I  and  the  boys  lighted  our  watch-fires, 
and  slept  peaceably  in  the  tent. 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  XLI 

THE    WELCOME   AT   ROCK   HOUSE — CONCLUSION 

EXT  day  the  young  men  led  their  new  sister  to  the 
farm  at  Wood  Grange.  Her  pleasure  at  once  more 
beholding  a  beautiful  landscape  and  noble  trees,  as 
well  as  verdant  meadows,  was  almost  childlike  in  its 
earnestness.  She  was  equally  delighted  with  the  do- 
mestic animals  on  our  farm — the  sheep  and  cattle  grazing  in  the 
meadow,  the  goats  with  their  kids,  the  pigs,  the  fowls,  the 
turkeys,  guinea-hens,  ducks,  and  geese  filled  her  with  wonder 
when  found  on  an  island  which  ten  years  before  had  been  un- 
inhabited. 

Jenny  Montrose  was  a  lover  of  animals,  and  this  fact  was  quick- 
ly discovered  by  them,  while  she  petted  and  coaxed  them,  and 
made  as  much  fuss  as  a  little  maiden  over  a  New  Year's  gift  of 
a  doll. 

After  looking  all  over  the  farm  we  again  set  sail,  and  leaving 
Falcon's  Nest  for  another  visit,  proceeded  at  once  to  Whale 
Island,  the  two  young  men,  Fritz  and  Frank,  remaining  behind 
to  carry  out  plans  of  their  own. 

The  rabbits  on  this  island  greatly  pleased  our  young  visitor. 
I  told  her  she  must  now  look  upon  them  as  her  own  property,  and 
that  I  hoped  she  would  soon  have  time  and  inclination  to  prepare 
and  weave  their  silky  hair  for  her  own  use. 

After  leaving  Whale  Island  we  steered  toward  Deliverance  Bay, 
and  on  reaching  the  entrance  a  grand  salute  of  twelve  shots  re- 
echoed from  rock  to  rock.  Ernest,  however,  was  not  quite  satis- 
fied;  he  thought  it  should  have  been  thirteen.     He  had  read,  he 

[584] 


ROBINSON 

said,  that  a  salute  of  honor  should  always  be  in  odd  numbers.  I 
therefore  gave  him  permission  to  follow  that  rule  in  our  answer 
from  the  pinnace. 

While  passing  Shark's  Island  we  saw  Fritz  and  Frank  coming 
to  meet  us  in  the  canoe.  They  were  soon  alongside,  and  Fritz, 
in  a  loud  voice,  hailed  us  and  exclaimed: 

"In  the  name  of  the  whole  colony  of  this  island  we  bid  you 
welcome  to  Rock  Castle,  and  we  regret  that  we  have  not  had  the 
honor  of  your  companionship  in  this  voyage,  but  our  duties  at 
the  castle  have  rendered  it  impossible." 

We  were  greatly  amused  at  all  this,  but  the  joke  was  not  for- 
gotten, as  Fritz  turned  the  canoe  and  piloted  us  through  the  bay 
to  our  usual  landing-place.  The  young  men  sprang  on  shore,  and 
stood  ready  to  assist  the  mother  and  their  visitor  with  true  polite- 
ness. Then  they  turned  and  led  the  way  to  Rock  Castle,  through 
the  gardens,  orchards,  and  shrubberies  which  lay  on  the  rising 
ground  that  rose  gently  to  our  dwelling. 

Jenny's  surprise  was  at  its  height  as  she  passed  these  signs  of 
cultivation,  but  it  changed  to  wonder  as  she  gazed  on  the  frontage 
of  the  castle  in  the  rocks,  with  its  broad  balcony,  its  fountains,  its 
large  pigeon-houses,  and  the  umbrageous  foliage  that  crept  over 
columns  and  roof. 

My  surprise  and  my  wife's  equalled  the  young  girl's  when  I  saw 
a  table  laid  out  in  the  veranda  with  every  article,  new  or  old, 
European  or  the  production  of  the  island.  Home-made  china, 
bamboo  and  cocoa-shell  vessels,  glass  tumblers,  decanters,  spoons, 
and  forks,  from  the  captain's  chest,  were  upon  the  table,  but  not 
empty. 

Canary  wine  and  mead  in  flasks,  splendid  pineapples  resting 
on  green  leaves,  oranges  in  pyramids  filled  the  china  dishes,  fresh 
milk  from  the  cow  stood  in  calabash  bowls,  while  the  centre  of 
the  table  w^as  occupied  by  dishes  containing  cold  fowl,  ham,  and 
dried  fish;  and  at  each  end  of  the  veranda  was  fastened  a  bird 
with  outstretched  wings,  from  our  museum.     Over  the  table  was 

[585] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

suspended  a  large  piece  of  linen  cloth,  on  which  had  been  placed 
many  colored  flowers,  forming,  in  large  letters,  the  following 
words : 

"Welcome  to  Jenny  Montrose,  and  many  blessings  attend  her 
entrance  into  the  home  of  the  Swiss  Robinsons." 

Almost  too  much  overcome  to  speak  in  reply  to  this  welcome, 
the  young  girl  stood  still  till  I  took  her  hand  and  led  her  to  a  seat 
between  the  mother  and  myself,  as  the  place  of  honor.  Ernest 
and  Jack  also  seated  themselves  opposite  to  us;  but  Fritz  and 
Frank,  who  considered  themselves  the  entertainers,  would  not  sit 
down,  but  waited  upon  us  with  table  -  napkins  on  their  arms, 
carved  the  joints,  poured  out  the  wine,  and  changed  the  plates, 
like  waiters  at  a  hotel.  So  gravely  and  correctly  did  they  fulfil 
the  duties  of  their  office  that  we  often  forgot  to  continue  our  meal 
while  looking  at  them. 

After  dinner  the  young  men  took  upon  themselves  the  task  of 
showing  Jenny  their  beautiful  Rock  Castle,  to  the  maiden's  great 
wonder  and  delight.  In  the  house  and  the  cave,  through  gardens 
and  fields,  to  the  winter  stalls  of  the  animals,  the  cart,  sledge,  and 
boat-houses,  they  led  her  with  eager  anxiety,  not  wishing  to  leave 
a  single  corner  unnoticed.  At  last  the  mother,  fearing  the  poor 
girl  would  be  tired,  went  out  and  good-naturedly  relieved  her 
from  the  services  of  these  thoughtless  cavaliers,  who  were  not  a 
little  disconcerted  in  consequence. 

On  the  following  day  we  were  all  ready  early,  and  after  break- 
fast started  to  pay  a  visit  to  Falcon's  Nest.  I  considered  it  advis- 
able for  us  all  to  go  together,  as  some  repairs  and  arrangements 
were  sure  to  be  necessary,  which  would  detain  us  several  days. 

Our  beasts  of  burden  were  all  at  Falcon's  Nest;  we  had,  there- 
fore, to  perform  the  journey  on  foot.  Jack,  however,  mounted 
the  ostrich,  to  the  great  amusement  of  Jenny,  and  rode  on  quick- 
'  ly  in  advance.  At  the  end  of  a  quarter  of  an  hour  he  returned  with 
a  troupe  of  animals,  and  among  them  the  ox  and  the  buffalo  and 
the  onager.     Nothing  could  induce  Jenny  to  ride  one  of  these 

[586] 


ROBINSON 

animals — at  least,  until  she  became  more  used  to  them,  and  had 
an  opportunity  of  trying  when  they  were  not  in  a  hurr}-.  So  the 
animals  were  driven  back  to  their  grass  in  great  content. 

We  found,  as  I  expected,  a  great  deal  to  do  in  repairs  to  our 
aerial  castle  and  the  stables  for  the  animals,  for  we  had  to  be 
ready  for  the  rainy  season,  which  was  drawing  near. 

The  young  men  were,  therefore,  busily  engaged  till  the  evening 
every  day,  but  the  mother  had  a  sweet  and  useful  companion  in 
Jenny,  who  helped  her  in  confectionery  and  needlework.  She 
quickly,  however,  became  accustomed  to  the  beasts  of  burden, 
and  allowed  Jack  to  place  her  on  his  buffalo,  which  she  soon 
learned  to  ride  fearlessly. 

The  work  at  Falcon's  Nest  employed  us  a  whole  week,  but  it 
passed  very  pleasantly,  although  threatening  clouds  and  now  and 
then  a  shower  drove  us  all  to  the  shelter  of  our  casde  in  the  tree 
or  to  the  gallery  round  it  over  the  stables.  The  presence  of  the 
young  girl  and  her  gay  talk  were  new  to  my  boys,  and  seemed  to 
inspire  them  with  fresh  energy. 

Before  returning  to  Rock  Castle  we  paid  a  visit  to  Wood 
Grange,  to  gather  in  a  store  of  rice  and  other  useful  articles,  es- 
pecially straw  for  making  mats  and  baskets,  small  canes  for 
hurdles  and  hen-coops,  to  be  made  during  our  stay  indoors  while 
the  rain  lasted. 

On  our  return  to  Rock  Castle  we  formed  quite  a  procession — 
beasts  and  birds,  apes  and  dogs,  carriages  and  baskets,  and  Jenny 
on  the  buffalo,  with  Fritz  as  her  protector.  Although  it  was 
pleasant  as  we  rode  along  to  observe  the  varied  scenery  of  wood 
and  meadow,  rock  and  valley,  and  beyond  all  the  great  sea,  yet 
we  were  glad  when  we  arrived  to  be  able  to  make  everything 
ready  in  our  winter  home.  Only  just  in  time,  however,  for  the 
rains  very  shortly  commenced,  and  were  accompanied  by  storms 
of  thunder  and  lightning.  We  again  heard  the  roaring  of  the 
waves  as  they  dashed  against  the  shore,  and  knew  by  the  howling 
winds  that  the  season  of  winter  and  rain  had  commenced. 

[  587  ] 


TSl  SWISS  FAMILY 

But  this  lonely  period  passed  far  more  pleasantly  than  ever, 
thanks  to  dear  Jenny,  whose  vivacity  and  accomplishments  made 
our  hours  of  recreation  pass  quickly.  She  taught  us  how  to 
make  mats,  and  even  carpets,  of  plaited  straw  and  rushes,  while 
she  amused  us  with  tales  of  her  life  in  England  and  India. 

She  induced  me  to  recall  memories  of  our  own  native  land,  and 
listened  earnestly  to  our  descriptions  of  Switzerland  and  its  moun- 
tains and  valleys. 

In  the  evenings,  when  we  were  all  assembled,  she  assisted  the 
boys  in  their  study  of  the  English  tongue,  and  made  them  speak 
it  so  constantly  that  Fritz  in  particular,  who  had  studied  it  alone, 
became  quite  proficient. 

She  already  spoke  French,  so  that  she  very  soon  acquired  the 
Swiss  language,  which  so  much  resembles  it.  In  fact,  this  rainy 
season  was  a  happy  time;  and  when  at  last  the  sunshine  of  spring 
chased  away  the  clouds,  and  the  rain  suddenly  cleared,  we  could 
scarcely  believe  that  so  many  weeks  had  elapsed  since  we  had 
been  first  made  prisoners. 

But  the  beautiful  spring,  and  the  duties  it  brought  in  field, 
orchard,  and  garden,  aroused  us  to  activity,  and  Jenny  was  quite 
ready  to  join  us,  or  to  assist  the  mother  in  her  poultry-yard  or 
kitchen. 

Fritz  and  Jack  expressed  a  wish  one  morning  to  proceed  to  the 
heights  of  Shark's  Island,  to  examine  the  coast  from  our  guard- 
house, and  discover  whether  any  signs  of  a  wreck  had  been  cast 
upon  our  shores  during  the  season  of  storms.  I  advised  them  to 
search  the  horizon  with  the  telescope,  and  also  to  fire  two  signal- 
guns,  in  case  of  a  ship  being  in  any  position  near  us  to  require 
assistance. 

The  shipwreck  of  Jenny's  ship  so  near  our  coast  made  us 
imagine  it  possible  that  a  similar  disaster  might  happen. 

The  young  girl,  although  she  had  learned  to  love  us  all,  espe- 
cially "  mother,"  as  she  called  her,  would  yet  sometimes  express 
an  anxiety  to  hear  of  her  father.     We  had  no  means  of  doing 

[588] 


ROBINSON 

SO,  excepting  through  a  ship  touching  at  the  island  or  approach- 
ing near  it. 

The  young  men  proceeded  at  once  to  the  heights  of  Shark's 
Island  to  carry  out  their  wishes  as  well  as  my  own.  I  was  not 
then  acquainted  with  the  longing  for  their  own  country  which  the 
appearance  of  the  litde  girl  from  Europe  had  created  in  the  minds 
of  two  of  my  sons. 

Their  astonished  excitement  may  therefore  be  understood 
when,  after  scanning  the  horizon  and  the  coast  without  result, 
they  fired  two  signal-guns,  and  the  reports  were  answered  from 
a  distance  westward  by  three  distinct  shots. 

The  young  men  were  at  once  overcome  with  a  tumult  of  feel- 
ings— joy  and  anxiety,  doubt  and  hope.  They  fell  upon  each 
other's  necks,  and  remained  for  some  moments  speechless. 

At  last  Fritz  found  words,  and  exclaimed: 

"There  are  human  beings  close  at  hand.  Jack!  God  has  at 
last  sent  us  the  means  of  returning  to  our  fatherland.  Let  us  at 
once  go  and  tell  our  father." 

They  reached  the  shore  by  the  shortest  way,  and,  jumping  on 
board  the  canoe,  rowed  with  all  their  strength  to  the  beach,  where 
I  stood. 

"  What  is  it  ?  What  has  happened  ?"  I  asked,  as  I  noticed 
their  excitement. 

"Oh,  father,  father!  have  you  not  heard?"  was  the  reply,  as 
they  rushed  into  my  arms. 

I  had  not  heard  a  sound,  and  I  could  not  at  all  comprehend 
the  meaning  of  this  agitation. 

"We  heard  three  cannon-shots  in  answer  to  ours!"  cried  Fritz, 
rousing  himself. 

"The  echo  of  your  own,"  I  replied;  for  I  could  not  imagine 
anything  else  possible. 

"No,  father,"  he  said;  "we  have  often  heard  the  echo  from 
our  own  firing,  but  not  like  this.  The  third  report  was  too  long 
after  ours  to  be  an  echo." 

[589] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

I  knew  not  what  to  think  of  this  information.  I  had  never 
considered  what  I  should  do  in  the  event  of  the  arrival  of  a 
European  ship.  But  was  this  a  European  ship,  or  Malay  pirates/ 
or  a  ship  with  the  crew  and  passengers  in  danger  on  some  danger- 
ous coast }  I  knew  not.  I  therefore  assembled  my  household, 
and  we  took  counsel  together,  for  it  was  a  matter  too  important 
to  be  settled  with  Fritz  and  Jack  alone. 

Meanwhile  night  drew  near,  and  we  put  off  all  further  discus- 
sion till  the  following  day,  and  I  then  gave  orders  to  my  three 
elder  sons  to  watch  with  me  in  turns,  from  hour  to  hour,  in  the 
veranda,  and  listen  during  the  still  night  air  for  any  signal-gun. 

Although  the  first  part  of  the  night  was  calm,  a  storm  arose 
about  midnight,  and  the  howling  wind  and  pelting  raindrops 
made  it  impossible  to  hear  any  sound. 

For  two  days  and  nights  the  storm  raged,  and  not  till  the  third 
morning  broke,  clear  and  bright,  could  I  venture  to  our  guard- 
house. Jack  accompanied  me,  carrying  a  large  flag,  to  be  raised 
or  lowered,  as  a  signal  to  those  at  home  whether  we  had  good 
news  or  were  threatened  with  danger. 

The  sea  was  still  rough,  but  the  air  clear,  and  I  decided  at  last 
that  Jack  should  fire  three  times,  and  then  listen  for  the  reply, 
for  I  still  had  my  suspicions  that  it  was  only  the  echo.  Jack  fired, 
leaving  an  interval  of  two  minutes  between  each  shot. 

We  then  listened  attentively,  and  presently  through  the  air  came 
the  boom  of  a  distant  cannon;  a  pause  of  two  minutes,  and  then  a 
second  and  a  third.     Seven  shots  altogether  sounded  in  our  ears. 

Jack  began  dancing  about  like  one  inebriated,  while  I  hastily 
raised  the  signal-flag,  and  waved  the  other  brought  by  Jack  over 
my  head. 

Suddenly  I  remembered  that  we  knew  not  whether  the  guns  we 
had  heard  were  fired  by  friends  or  enemies. 

*  In  olden  times  ships  that  had  a  crew  of  robbers  were  called  pirate  vessels. 
These  sea-robbers  attacked  richly  laden  ships,  and  took  all  they  contained, 
often  killing  the  crew  and  passengers  to  enable  them  to  do  so. 

[590] 


ROBINSON 

"What  a  fool  I  have  been  to  raise  the  flag,"  I    cried,  "and 
perhaps  raise  false  hopes!" 

I  instantly  recharged  the  guns,  and,  telling  Jack   to  remain  as 
sentinel,  hastened  back  to  Rock  Castle. 

I  found  my  household  in  a  state  of  great  agitation,  and  they 
came  forward  to  meet  me  full  of  earnest  inquiry  and  curiosity.  I 
explained  the  shots  we  had  heard  in  reply,  but  I  was  obliged  to 
tell  the  truth  respecting  my  fears;  and  then  I  announced  my  in- 
tention of  going  in  the  boat  with  Fritz  to  explore  the  coast, 
and,  if  possible,  discover  the 
vessel. 

We  took  on  board  arms 
and  sabres,  with  guns  and 
pistols,  to  be  used  only  in 
self-  defense,  and  the  har- 
poons to  be  carried  as  lances. 
We  rowed  away  in  silence 
from  Deliverance  Bay,  and 
steered  to  the  left  round  a 
rocky  promontory  that 
stretched  far  into  the  sea, 
which  we  had  never  yet 
passed. 

On  reaching  the  extreme 
end  of  this  point,  or  cape, 
we  found  ourselves  at  the 
entrance  of  a  little  bay, 
and,  cautiously  advancing, 
we  espied  a  large  ship,  evi- 
dently European,  with  the 
English  flag  flying  at  the 
masthead.     Our  hearts  rose 

in  earnest  thankfulness  to  God  at  this  discovery,  but  I  still  felt 
the  necessity  of  caution. 

[  591  1 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

I  could  scarcely  prevent.  Fritz  from  rushing  into  the  sea — in- 
deed, I  felt  almost  inclined  to  do  the  same  myself;  but  I  remem- 
bered that  the  Asiatic  pirates  often  carried  the  flags  of  other 
nations  for  purposes  of  their  own.  I,  however,  decided  to  venture 
nearer,  and  find  out  to  whom  the  vessel  really  belonged. 

We  rowed  slowly  forward,  close  within  shore,  examining  the 
stranger  curiously.  It  appeared  to  me  to  be  a  small  frigate, 
lightly  laden,  and  with  eight  or  ten  tolerably  large  guns  on  each 
side.  She  lay  at  anchor  at  a  distance  from  the  land,  as  if  for  re- 
pairs, and  on  the  shore  we  saw  three  tents,  from  which  smoke 
arose,  making  us  suppose  it  was  the  dinner-hour  of  the  crew. 
Presently  on  deck  appeared  an  officer  in  the  uniform  of  the 
English  navy,  whom  sharp-sighted  Fritz  considered  must  be  the 
captain. 

We  immediately  approached  within  hail  of  the  ship,  and  in  a 
moment  the  question  came  through  the  speaking-trumpet: 

"What  are  you?" 

"Englishmen,"  was  the  reply  by  Fritz  in  English. 

"What  ship?" 

"No  ship.     We  will  come  again." 

Without  another  word  we  turned  away,  and  rowed  quickly 
round  the  point.  We  had  discovered  that  they,  the  strangers, 
were  English;  that  the  vessel  was  a  man-of-war  frigate;  and  that 
now  we  could  visit  them  on  more  equal  terms,  and  oflFer  them 
hospitality. 

This  joyful  news  caused  great  excitement  at  home;  and  the 
mother  advised  that  we  should  get  the  pinnace  in  readiness,  and 
go  in  state  to  visit  the  English  ship,  and  not  as  adventurers  in  a 
poor  little  canoe. 

This  proposal  was  received  with  great  acclamations.  Jenny 
was  unusually  excited;  indeed,  we  were  scarcely  able  to  sleep  all 
night  for  thinking  of  the  morrow's  voyage,  when  we  should  meet 
so  many  of  our  fellow-creatures,  and  perhaps  learn  news  of  the 
home  we  had  lost  for  so  mi\ny  years, 

[  592  1 


ROBINSON 

The  pinnace  was  quickly  prepared  next  morning,  and  bedecked 
with  flags  as  for  a  joyful  occasion;  and  before  noon  we  were  all  on 
board,  neatly  attired,  and  with  a  fair  wind,  steering  toward  the 
point  beyond  which  was  the  bay  in  which  the  frigate  lay  at 
anchor. 

As  we  approached  within  a  short  distance  we  hoisted  the 
English  flag. 

Great  was  the  astonishment  of  the  ship's  company  as  our  pretty 
vessel  proceeded  proudly  up  the  bay;  and  when  within  gunshot 
of  the  frigate  we  dropped  anchor,  and  greeted  them  from  our 
deck  with  loud  cheers. 

Fritz  and  I  then  stepped  on  board  the  boat  of  the  pinnace,  and 
rowed  to  the  ship  to  pay  our  respects  to  the  captain.  He  received 
us  with  great  politeness,  and  after  inviting  us  on  board,  led  us 
to  his  cabin,  and  brought  out  some  old  Cape  wine,  in  a  most 
friendly  manner. 

He  then  inquired  to  what  good-fortune  he  owed  a  visit  from  a 
gentleman  carrying  an  English  flag,  and  in  such  outlandish  seas 
as  these. 

I  briefly  explained  the  circumstances  which  had  brought  me  to 
a  neighboring  island,  and  how  for  ten  years  I  had  struggled,  with 
my  wife  and  four  sons,  against  difiiculties  which  were  happily 
overcome.  I  then  mentioned  the  name  of  Jenny  Montrose,  and 
spoke  of  her  father,  now  Sir  William  Montrose,  and  Captain 
Greenfield,  who  was  taking  her  to  England  when  his  ship  was 
wrecked  not  far  from  our  island,  with  an  account  of  the  young 
lady's  discovery. 

All  the  parties  I  spoke  of  were  known  to  the  captain,  who  told 
me  his  name  was  Littlestone,  that  he  commanded  the  frigate 
Unicorn,  and  was  on  his  way  to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  with 
despatches  from  New  South  Wales.  He  had  been  driven  by 
stress  of  weather  on  the  coast,  hoping  to  find  a  friendly  port;  but 
as  none  appeared,  he  had  chosen  this  bay  as  a  place  of  shelter, 
and  had  anchored  here   for  a  time,  till  the  damage  done  to  the 

[593I 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

ship  might  be  made  good.  He  had  heard  the  shots,  and  answered 
them,  and  was  pleased  to  find  that  they  had  been  the  means  of 
leading  us  to  visit  the  ship. 

Before  leaving  I  invited  the  captain  to  visit  my  yacht,  which  he 
readily  promised  to  do  on  the  following  day. 

Accordingly,  the  next  morning  a  man-of-war's  boat  arrived 
with  Captain  Littlestone.  He  brought  with  him  an  invalid  gen- 
tleman named  Wolston,  who,  with  his  wife  and  two  little  daugh- 
ters, aged  ten  and  twelve,  had  been  saved  from  a  wreck  and 
carried  on  board  the  frigate. 

Mr.  Wolston  had  intended  to  proceed  to  the  Cape  and  remain, 
where  he  hoped  to  recruit  his  health  and  strength,  but  on  hearing 
an  account  of  our  territory  from  Captain  Littlestone,  he  was 
anxious  to  be  introduced  to  us.  We  received  our  visitors  cor- 
dially, and  poor  Jenny  seemed  overjoyed  at  meeting  one  who 
knew  her  father.  I  presented  the  captain  with  two  baskets  of 
English  and  foreign  fruit  of  our  own  cultivation,  which  to  sailors 
who  had  seen  no  land  for  weeks  was  a  great  boon.  It  made  him 
more  than  ever  anxious  to  visit  the  island  and  see  the  gardens 
and  orchards  which  could  produce  such  fruit. 

We  returned  to  our  island  after  a  stay  of  two  days  near  the 
Unicortiy  and  on  the  following  day  Fritz,  in  his  canoe,  sailed  to 
the  Unicorn  to  pilot  the  man-of-war's  boat,  with  the  captain  and 
Mr.  Wolston,  to  our  shores.  Their  surprise  at  all  they  saw  on  the 
island,  as  well  as  at  the  prosperous  condition  of  our  flocks  and 
herds,  was  only  equalled  by  the  wonder  they  expressed  at  our 
dwellings,  especially  Rock  Castle. 

Mr.  Wolston,  indeed,  expressed  a  wish  to  remain  with  us  on 
the  island,  if  we  could  also  receive  his  wife  and  two  daughters. 
To  this  arrangement  we  both  readily  agreed,  feeling  naturally 
that  the  two  girls,  though  young,  would  be  companions  for  Jenny. 

"And  now.  Miss  Montrose,"  said  the  captain,  "what  am  I  to 
do  for  you  .?  I  cannot  offer  to  take  you  as  a  passenger  in  a  man- 
of-war,  as  it  is  against  the  rules;   but  as  soon  as  I  reach  England 

[594] 


R  O   B  I  N   S  O  N 

I  will  inquire  about  your  father,  and  no  doubt  a  vessel  will  be 
sent  to  these  shores  to  enable  you  all  to  return  to  your  native 
countries.  What  say  you  to  that,  my  friend  ?"  added  the  captain, 
addressing  me. 

My  wife  and  I  had  already  talked  the  matter  over,  so  I  was 
ready  at  once  to  reply. 

"No,  Captain  Littlestone,  I  have  no  wish  to  leave  this  pleasant 
island,  nor  the  homes  which  are  the  result  of  our  own  labor  and 
industiy,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  and  my  wife  also  tells  me  she 
is  willing  to  live  and  die  here;   but  as  to  my  sons — " 

I  paused,  for  I  could  see  by  the  eager  glances  of  Fritz  and  Jack 
what  their  answer  would  be. 

"Father,"  said  Fritz,  "Jack  and  I  have  been  longing  for  this 
opportunity  of  returning  to  Europe  for  years.  May  we  have 
your  permission  ?  Mother,"  he  added,  with  deep  emotion,  "can 
you  spare  us  ?"  And  he  rose  and  placed  his  arm  round  her  neck, 
for  although  she  had  feared  this  result,  yet  she  was  scarcely  pre- 
pared to  realize  it. 

"Talk  it  over,  my  friends — talk  it  over,"  said  the  captain,  "and 
let  me  know  your  decision  before  I  sail,  which  will  be  no  doubt 
in  about  a  week." 

And  so  it  was  arranged.  The  man-of-war's  boat  was  to  bring 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wolston  and  their  two  daughters  in  a  few  days,  and 
the  decision  respecting  our  sons  was  to  be  sent  back  in  a  letter 
by  the  crew,  unless  the  captain  came  himself,  which  was  not 
unlikely. 

As  I  expected.  Captain  Littlestone  came  himself,  and  I  was 
charmed  with  the  little  daughters  of  Mr.  Wolston.  I  knew  that 
their  residence  with  us  would  incur  great  alterations,  yet  that  was 
of  no  consequence  when  we  considered  the  advantage  of  com- 
panionship for  ourselves  and  our  children. 

It  was  at  last  decided  that  when  a  ship  came  from  England  for 
Jenny  Montrose,  my  two  sons  should  accompany  her  to  that 
country.     Then  the  captain  addressed  me: 

[595] 


THE  SWISS  FAMILY 

"My  friend,"  he  said,  "you  have  laid  the  foundation  of  a  new 
colony  among  these  islands.  On  reaching  England  I  shall  lay 
the  matter  before  the  Government,  if  you  are  willing  to  acknowl- 
edge that  Government  and  to  become  subjects  of  the  King  of 
England.^  The  name  I  intend  to  propose  for  this  colony  will  be 
New  Switzerland.     Do  you  approve  of  this  title  ?" 

My  heart  was  too  full  to  speak  for  a  few  moments,  but  at  last 
I  said: 

"The  name  will  be  an  honor  to  me,  and  I  shall  be  proud  of 
being  the  subject,  as  a  colonist,  of  the  British  realm." 

This  answer  was  received  by  my  sons  with  shouts  of  approval, 
and  the  universal  cry,  "Hurrah!  hurrah!  New  Switzerland  for- 
ever! 

And  then,  with  warm  congratulations  and  hopes  of  meeting 
again,  especially  from  my  boys,  the  captain  stepped  on  board  the 
man-of-war's  boat,  and,  amid  the  hearty  cheers  of  the  sailors  and 
the  waving  of  handkerchiefs  from  the  shore.  Captain  Littlestone 
sailed  away  from  our  island,  standing  up  in  the  boat  to  wave  his 
cocked  hat  in  farewell  to  us  all. 

Six  months  passed;  the  autumn  was  approaching;  but,  as  yet, 
no  ship  had  reached  our  shores.  Great  additions  and  alterations 
had  been  made  in  our  dwellings.  Several  chambers  were  formed 
by  encroaching  upon  the  interior  of  our  salt  cavern,  to  provide 
winter  accommodation  for  Mr.  Wolston  and  his  family.  While 
digging  farther  back  in  the  cave,  we,  to  our  surprise,  came  sud- 
denly on  another  opening  in  the  rock,  at  the  extreme  end  of  the 
cave. 

With  the  help  of  my  sons,  and  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Wolston, 
whose  health  had  greatly  improved,  we  formed  at  this  part  of  the 
cave  a  dwelling  similar  to  our  own,  and  erected  a  veranda  and 
pigeon-house;  the  former,  at  the  end  of  the  six  months,  was  al- 
ready covered  with  creeping  plants. 

*  In   1814  George  III.  was  King. 

[596] 


ROBINSON 

As  to  the  ladies,  they  had  spinning-wheels  and  weaving-ma- 
chines. They  made  linen  and  flannel  and  cloth  from  the  wool 
of  the  sheep;  they  knitted  stockings,  made  and  mended  our 
clothes,  helped  in  the  cooking — for  we  all  took  our  meals  to- 
gether— and,  in  short,  the  younger  ones  were  being  trained  by 
my  wife  to  make  useful  and  clever  housekeepers. 

The  books  and  drawing  materials  brought  by  Minnie  and  Lucy 
Wolston  were  a  great  advantage  both  to  themselves  and  Jenny. 
The  latter  was  able  to  sketch  and  paint  landscapes  and  flowers 
from  nature,  and  to  teach  the  two  girls  what  she  knew  herself. 
She  had,  however,  more  pupils  in  the  rainy  season,  for,  by  the 
light  of  spermaceti  candles,  the  young  men  could  amuse  them- 
selves for  hours  with  this  pleasant  accomplishment,  under  Jenny's 
guidance. 

And  so  the  six  months  wore  away.  The  rainy  season  was  just 
over,  when  one  morning  Jack,  who  had  been  on  the  lookout  for 
some  time,  heard  a  gun  fired  at  sea.  He  rushed  into  the  field, 
where  I  was  busy  with  Fritz,  exclaiming: 

"Father,  there  is  a  signal-gun!     Did  you  not  hear  it?" 

"No,"  I  replied;  but  at  that  moment  sounded  the  report  of 
another. 

Fritz  threw  down  his  spade. 

"Go  and  answer  them.  Jack!"  he  cried,  as  he  ran  toward  the 
shore.     "  It  is  the  English  ship  we  expect;  they  want  a  pilot." 

I  was  left  alone  with  a  full  heart,  and  for  a  few  minutes  was 
unable  to  move.  These  guns  were  a  signal  that  I  should  lose  my 
boys  and  my  adopted  daughter.  At  last  I  turned  toward  Rock 
Castle,  and  found  my  wife  sitting  at  work  in  the  veranda. 

"It  is  come  at  last,"T  said,  sadly. 

"What  has  come?"  she  asked,  in  a  trembling  voice. 

"The  ship  from  England,"  I  replied. 

She  turned  very  pale,  and  said,  presently: 

"It  is  God's  will;  we  cannot  keep  the  young  birds  in  the  nest 
always." 

[  597  ] 


TSE  SWISS  FAMILY 

Louder  and  stronger  reports  aroused  us,  and  my  wife,  rising, 
accompanied  me  to  the  shore,  from  which  we  could  look  across 
the  bay. 

There  in  full  sail  came  a  stately  ship,  which  presently  entered 
Deliverance  Bay,  and  approached  as  near  the  shore  as  the  depth 
of  the  water  would  allow.  Then  from  the  deck  rose  cheers,  that 
were  re-echoed  from  the  rocks,  bringing  Ernest,  and  Frank,  and 
every  inmate  of  the  dwelling  to  the  spot  on  which  we  stood. 

"A  ship  from  England!"  exclaimed  Jenny  Montrose;  "it  is 
come  for  me.  Oh,  mother,  mother!  how  can  I  leave  you  ?"  And 
she  threw  herself  into  the  arms  of  the  adopted  mother  whose  love 
she  had  won. 

Ernest  and  Frank  looked  grave  and  were  silent.  Meanwhile 
on  the  beach  was  a  great  commotion;  the  ship's  boat  was  land- 
ing passengers,  among  whom  were  Jack  and  Fritz. 

"They  are  come  for  us,  mother!"  they  exclaimed,  as  they 
approached;  but  her  pale  face  and  tearful  eyes  checked  their 
eager  joy. 

"Father,"  said  Fritz,  "here  is  the  captain.  He  has  brought 
letters  for  you  and  Miss  Montrose." 

I  took  mine  quietly.  One  of  them  was  evidently  a  Govern- 
ment despatch,  the  others  were  from  my  friends  in  Switzerland. 
Jenny  seized  hers,  and  ran  away  to  read  it  alone;  while  my  wife 
only  had  the  presence  of  mind  to  invite  the  captain  to  our  home, 
and  offer  him  some  hospitality. 

It  proved  as  I  expected.  An  English  vessel,  with  emigrants  to 
New  South  Wales,  had  been  chartered  to  call  at  a  bay  in  a  certain 
latitude  and  longitude,  but  being  rather  alarmed  at  the  appear- 
ance of  the  rocky  coast,  the  captain  had  fired  two  signal-guns,  in 
the  hope  of  finding  a  pilot  for  his  ship  in  these  dangerous  waters. 
He  understood,  he  said,  that  he  had  to  take  back  with  him 
at  least  three  passengers,  a  lady  and  two  gentlemen,  and  as 
he  should  sail  in  three  days,  he  hoped  they  would  be  ready  to 
accompany  him. 

[598] 


ROBINSON 

The  captain  spent  a  pleasant  evening  with  us,  and  promised  to 
return  on  the  morrow,  and  go  over  the  estate  with  me.  He  con- 
gratulated me  on  the  colonization  of  "New  Switzerland,"  and 
made  himself  altogether  very  agreeable.  But  it  was  only  by  a 
great  effort  that  my  wife,  Fritz,  and  myself  could  converse  or 
listen. 

We  longed  for  an  hour  alone  to  talk  over  this  sudden  separa- 
tion, and  both  my  wife  and  I  felt  sure  that  Fritz  had  another 
question  to  ask  before  he  decided  to  sail  to  England. 

The  brothers  understood  his  wish  to  be  alone  with  his  mother 
and  me.  Jenny  seemed  also  a  little  conscious;  and  when  they 
retired  to  rest,  she  rose  quickly  to  follow  their  example. 

But  when  she  approached  to  wish  my  wife  good-night,  she 
could  only  throw  her  arms  round  her  neck  and  exclaim,  amid  her 
tears: 

"  Dear  mother,  how  can  I  leave  you  and  dear  father,  after  all  f 
But  papa's  letter  requests  my  return  to  England  with  the  captain, 
and  I  must  go." 

"  My  dear  daughter,"  I  said,  for  the  mother  seemed  unable 
to  speak,  "your  father  must  be  obeyed.  We  have  no  right 
to  keep  you  here.  And  now  cheer  up,  Jenny.  You  will,  per- 
haps, be  able  to  visit  us  again  in  this  island  some  day  with  your 
husband." 

She  blushed  and  smiled  through  her  tears,  as  she  wished  me 
good-night,  and  then,  with  a  hasty  word  to  Fritz,  she  disappeared. 

"Father,  do  you  know  my  secret?"  he  asked. 

"My  son,  I  do  know  it,"  I  replied;  "but,  without  the  un- 
qualified consent  of  Sir  William  Montrose,  I  cannot  encourage 
your  hopes.     Have  you  said  anything  to  Jenny .?" 

"No,  father,  not  a  word;  and  I  only  speak  of  it  to  you 
now  that  I  may  be  free  to  ask  her  father's  approval  when 
we  reach  England.  Mother,"  continued  Fritz,  "you  have  seen 
Jenny  in  her  domestic  character.  Could  you  receive  her  as  a 
daughter  ?" 

[599] 


TS£  SWISS  FAMILY 

"With  the  greatest  love  and  confidence,"  she  repHed;  "and 
although  you  are  both  going  to  leave  us,  it  will  be  a  happy  day 
for  me  when  I  hear  that  she  is  your  wife." 

The  young  man's  heart  seemed  too  full  for  words;  the  tears 
stood  in  his  eyes,  and  at  last,  with  an  effort,  he  pressed  my  hand, 
took  his  mother  in  his  arms,  and  exclaiming,  "  I  bless  God  for  my 
parents!"  hurried  from  the  room. 

Next  day  all  was  bustle  and  activity;  the  sailors'  chests  were 
brought  out  and  packed  with  everything  the  mother  considered 
necessary  for  the  travellers.  The  spirit  of  activity  appeared  to 
rule  in  the  household,  while  many  gifts  were  exchanged  between 
the  young  people,  to  be  preserved  as  tokens  of  remembrance. 

I  gave  the  two  young  men  a  share  of  my  possessions  with  which 
to  begin  the  world  and  as  a  means  of  commerce — among  other 
things,  pearls,  coral,  precious  stones,  and  other  valuable  produc- 
tions of  the  island,  which  I  knew  would  be  most  precious  in 
Europe. 

I  also  gave  them  earnest  advice,  which  was  founded  on  trust 
and  confidence  in  God  and  my  own  experience.  I  reminded 
them  of  my  teachings  during  their  childhood  and  youth,  and 
begged  them  never  to  wander  from  the  paths  of  virtue,  or  forget 
the  duty  they  owed  to  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  had  preserved 
them  in  so  many  dangers  during  our  stay  on  the  island. 

The  young  people  were  expected  to  be  on  board  next  day  at 
four  o'clock.  I  had,  therefore,  invited  the  captain  and  the  ship's 
officers  to  a  farewell  dinner. 

They  arrived  in  the  boat  which  was  to  take  the  luggage  on 
board,  and  I  was  glad  of  the  opportunity  to  place  in  the  hands  of 
the  captain  several  articles  in  my  possession  belonging  to  the 
captain  of  the  ship  in  which  we  had  been  wrecked,  in  the  hope 
that  possibly  he  might  be  still  living. 

I  had  placed  them  in  a  casket,  found  in  the  captain's  cabin, 
with  the  gold  pieces  and  money,  as  well  as  a  paper  containing  an 
account  of  the  shipwreck,  \\  hich  I  had  compiled,  and  also  a  list 

[600] 


ROBINSON 

of  the  officers  and  crew  of  the  ship,  which  was   found   in  the 
casket. 

The  captain  promised  to  make  every  inquiry,  and  to  place  the 
casket  in  sate-keeping.  He  was  also  glad  to  supply  me  with  guns 
and  ammunition  in  exchange  for  provisions.  I  had,  therefore, 
sent  on  board  cattle,  sheep,  and  poultry,  as  well  as  salted  meat, 
dried  fish,  vegetables  and  fruit  of  every  kind,  which  were  of  the 
greatest  value  to  him  and  the  passengers. 

At  dinner  we  endeavored  to  be  cheerful  and  in  good  spirits, 
for  the  sake  of  our  travellers,  and  the  agreeable  good-humor  of 
the  visitors  made  this  task  less  difficult.  At  last,  after  two  toasts, 
one  to  the  prosperity  of  New  Switzerland,  and  the  other  to  the 
safe  passage  of  the  ship,  the  leave-taking  time  came. 

We  preferred  to  say  farewell  on  shore.  The  brothers,  although 
pale  with  emotion  at  this  their  first  separation,  kept  up  bravely; 
but  when  the  last  moment  came,  they  threw  themselves  into  one 
another's  arms,  quite  regardless  of  the  eyes  of  strangers.  Jenny 
clung  to  the  mother 
with  streaming  eyes, 
and  almost  unable  to 
speak.  Then  I  took 
the  young  English  girl 
in  my  arms,  and  after 
an  affectionate  fare- 
well to  one  whom  I 
one  day  hoped  to  call 
my  own  daughter, 
gave  her  up  to  Fritz, 
who  led  her  on  board 
the  boat. 

Then    came    the 
worst  parting  of  all — 

the  mother  from  her  two  tall  sons;    but    they  were   brave  and 
hopeful:    they    embraced    her   fondly,   and   whispered    hopes  of 

[6oi] 


TiiE  SWISS  FAMILY 

another  meeting  with  cheerfuhiess  and  encouragement.  The 
mother's  was  the  last  kiss.  She  seated  herself  on  a  camp-stool 
near  the  shore,  for  she  had  no  power  to  stand.  I  stood  by  and 
held  her  hand.  Ernest,  behind  his  mother,  threw  his  arm  round 
her  shoulders,  while  Frank,  nearer  the  water,  took  off  his  cap 
as  the  boat  moved,  and  gave  three  cheers,  which  were  answered 
from  all  on  board. 

We  watched  the  progress  of  the  boat,  saw  our  dear  ones  em- 
bark on  board  the  vessel,  and  did  not  move  from  the  spot  till  the 
good  ship  had  rounded  the  point  and  was  out  of  sight. 

I  had  placed  in  the  hands  of  Fritz  before  he  left  the  journal  of 
our  doings  on  the  island  after  we  were  shipwrecked,  and  desired 
him  to  employ  a  printer  in  Europe,  and  have  it  published. 

I  hoped  that  this  simply  written  story  of  our  lives  on  the  lonely 
island,  if  brought  before  the  eyes  of  the  young,  would  point  out 
to  them  what  great  results  may  be  achieved  by  industry  and  per- 
severance, in  spite  of  difficulties,  and,  above  all,  prove  to  them 
that  the  blessing  of  God  will  certainly  rest  on  any  undertaking 
which  is  carried  on  in  a  right  spirit,  and  with  a  firm  confidence  in 
His  protection  and  assistance. 

It  is  late  in  the  night.  On  the  morrow  my  dear  ones  will  be 
far  away. 

My  story  is  told.  May  God  be  with  us  and  our  absent  ones. 
I  greet  thee,  Europe;  I  greet  thee,  old  Switzerland.  May  New 
Switzerland  in  the  future  be  strong  and  flourishing,  pious  and 
happy  in  herself  as  thou. 


THE   END 


University  of 
Connecticut 

Libraries 


